Stockport Governor Association

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN STOCKPORT LOCAL AUTHORITY AND GOVAS (GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION STOCKPORT)

Context

This Memorandum of Understanding is to formalise and clarify the relationship between Stockport Local Authority and GOVAS.   It is hoped that by formalising these partnership arrangements the model will be sustainable and ensure that any change in personnel from either Stockport Local Authority or GOVAS can be accommodated.

Principles

That the Memorandum of Understanding will strengthen the shared aims and objectives of the partnership which include:

• The promotion and continuous improvement in all of Stockport’s schools
• The support of strategic improvements in the Local Authority schools through active participation with the National Governors Association

Nature of the Partnership

The Memorandum of Understanding is designed to secure a structured approach to the development of the working partnership and the following are a series of propositions about the partnership to assist with this process.

• Stockport Local Authority and GOVAS have a partnership based on mutual respect and recognise their shared goal of promoting opportunities for all Stockport governors
• Stockport Local Authority acknowledges the role of GOVAS and its importance as an independent body
• Stockport Local Authority and GOVAS are both willing to share information to support the continued development of school governing bodies
• Both parties will develop a joint approach to increasing governor involvement and commitment to school improvement and progressing new initiatives
• GOVAS will have a place on the Education Partnership Board and thus access to the Children’s Trust

Communication

Stockport Local Authority and GOVAS agree to work together to develop a strong and effective working relationship through regular meetings and to address specific issues. The membership for these meetings will be made up of:- Corporate Director – Children and Young People/Director of Learning and Achievement, Head of School Improvement and the Head of Governor Services and the GOVAS Chair and other members of the GOVAS committee

• Stockport Local Authority and GOVAS meet termly for regular exchanges of information and updates on strategic policy and service changes

• Stockport Local Authority and GOVAS will encourage governors to understand the importance of authority-wide strategic considerations
• Stockport Local Authority and GOVAS will widen governor consultation on issues that affect school improvement
• Stockport Local Authority and GOVAS will share best practice in governance across all Stockport schools

Signed …………………………………..    Corporate Director – Children and Young People

…………………………………      Date

…………………………………     Chair – GOVAS

…………………………………..    Date