Agenda item

Claire White advised that there were no apparent changes to the latest guide (published March 2015) other than format, but it would act as a useful recap if all members of the forum could read it again. In addition, the EFA has also produced a Schools Forum Self Assessment Toolkit for local authority officers and elected members to assess the strengths and weaknesses of their schools forum (this is available to download on the EFA website). From this checklist, Claire drew attention to two points for discussion:

Is it clear to observers who attendees at the forum are representing? E.g. by use of name plates, indicating sector. Members felt that this is not necessary as if there are any new attendees, introductions are made at the start of the meeting.

Do members actively canvass views and objectively represent their whole peer group at the forum and provide feedback after meetings? This tends to be more difficult for Governor representatives, who asked whether Governor Services could draw to the attention of all Governors the role of the Forum when the opportunity arose, for example at Governor training, and make it known where copies of the agenda and minutes could be found.

ACTION: To be raised with Governor Services

Action

I.Pearson