Govern Suffolk

Suffolk Guidance on forming a Federation 

In our Governor Headlines Live meeting on 27 January, 2021, we introduced a document recently written by the Local Authority; 'Suffolk Guidance on forming a Federation'.

Local Authority officers are sometimes involved in discussions with governors and other school leaders about potential partnership working with other schools, which may lead to forming or joining a federation.

This can be linked to support for Headteacher recruitment, sustainability and budget. The guidance has been produced with the aim of supporting governing bodies in their decision making and discussions if they are considering federation. It will also support the due diligence process. Schools will be able to use it and the sources referenced within it to explore the benefits that federating may provide and any lessons previously learnt by school leaders who have followed this path.

We hope you will find it useful.

Suffolk Guidance on Forming a Federation (PDF, 413KB)

If you have any queries regarding the document, partnerships or federations please contact us at governance@suffolk.gov.uk.

Governance headlines live: virtual governance session

We held our first virtual session for governors, “Governor Headlines Live” on 14 July 2020. We really welcomed the opportunity to speak with you, share thoughts on governance in the new school year and answer any questions that you might have had. 

• Download virtual Governance Session presentation for 14 July 2020 (922KB).

If you were unable to attend but have any questions, or did attend but have a further query, please contact the Leadership and Governance team at governance@suffolk.gov.uk or call 01473 263972.

Why govern in Suffolk?

Why become a school governor

As a governor, you can:

• make a difference in your local community
• develop your skills and experience
• improve your knowledge about the education sector

Find out more about the benefits of becoming a school governor and how the local authority can help you:

• School governor case studies
• Governance facts (PDF, 39KB)

What you need to know about becoming a school governor

A good governor should:

• gain a good understanding of the school's strengths and weaknesses
• contribute to the strategic discussions at governing body meetings
• hold the senior leaders to account by monitoring the school's performance

Read in more detail about what governors are expected to do (PDF, 51KB).

If you have any questions about school governance, contact the Suffolk Leadership and Governance Team by emailing governance@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 01473 263972.

How to become a school governor

1. Register your interest in becoming a school governor
2. The Leadership and Governance team at Suffolk County Council will contact you to discuss your options.
3. Agree your first, second and third choice school.
4. The Leadership and Governance team will then contact your first choice of school.
5. A meeting will be arranged with the Chair of the Governing body, which will include a general discussion about the governing body, recent successes, challenges and a tour of the school.
6. You will be given the option to sit in on a full governing body meeting.
7. If you would like to join this governing body, you will need to provide your references and carry out the necessary checks, including DBS.  
8. Congratulations, you've become a school governor and can start putting your skills into a Suffolk school.