Education, Sport & Culture wants to change governance board plans
- The Committee has submitted an amendment to the Education Governance Boards Ordinance.
- The amendment is set to be debated in the States Assembly on Thursday.
- It incorporates feedback from States Members regarding governance concerns.
- Key changes include outlining the purpose of Governance Boards and removing the requirement for an Education Office representative.
- The Committee aims to enhance accountability and communication in the education system.
Education, Sport & Culture announced that it has submitted an amendment to the Education Governance Boards Ordinance, which is scheduled for debate in the States Assembly on Thursday 25 September.
This initiative was inherited from the previous term and has been developed through thorough reviews and consultations with States Members who expressed specific concerns about the Ordinance.
If approved, the amendment will introduce two significant changes:
- The purpose of the Governance Boards will be explicitly stated at the beginning of the Ordinance, emphasising that governance boards must support the ethos and strategy of the educational settings. They will also be accountable for safeguarding, standards, resources, and staff performance while ensuring effective communication between the settings and their communities.
- Eliminate the mandatory seat for an Education Office representative on each Board, although the total number of board members will remain unchanged.
Deputy Paul Montague, President for Education, Sport & Culture, highlighted that the Committee's primary goal is to enhance governance in order to improve the education system and provide schools, The Guernsey Institute, The Sixth Form Centre, and learners with a solid foundation for success.
He noted, “Good governance should enable better outcomes for students while ensuring accountability and transparency.”
He further remarked that while the existing Ordinance supports this aim, the Committee has considered the feedback received from political colleagues and aims to address these concerns directly.
Deputy Andy Cameron, Vice-President, said: “Our amendment makes the purpose of Governance Boards clear from the outset - to champion the settings’ ethos and strategy, hold leadership to account on safeguarding, standards, resources and staff performance, and ensure the voices of learners, staff and the wider community are heard.”
Deputy Cameron added that by removing the requirement for an Education Officer representative, the Committee is responding to the feedback from Members, granting the Boards greater autonomy and flexibility.
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