The St John’s Grammar School Board of Governors is an elective, representative, and collective body
It is elective, in that the appointment and determination of Board members is the prerogative of members through the election process.
It is representative in that no Governor can be mandated by their constituency (where such exists eg Diocesan representatives) to adopt a particular position if they do not believe it to be in the best interests of the School. Whatever the constituency of any member, all members must act selflessly when determining the Board’s decisions.
It is collective, in that while each member has the right to argue for their own point of view and to vote for that position. However, once a collective decision has been taken Board members are required to support that decision.
The function of the Board is to set the School’s policy and strategic direction, collectively ensure the delivery of its objectives, and uphold its values.
The Board is responsible and accountable for ensuring and monitoring that the School is performing well, is solvent, and is complying with all its legal, financial, and ethical obligations. The responsibilities of the Board cannot be delegated to any other person or body.
The Board’s responsibilities include:
- School’s budget, monitoring management and financial performance to ensure the solvency, financial strength and good performance of the School
- Financial reporting – considering and approving annual financial statements and required reports to government
- Leadership selection – selecting, evaluating the performance of, and if necessary, dismissing the School’s Principal
- Succession planning for Board and Principal
- Determining the Principal’s remuneration
- Reviewing and monitoring strategic risk management
- Having regard to the School’s ethical responsibility including the social and environmental impact of the schools operations
- Evaluating and improving the performance of the Board.