Dependent upon the size of the School, the Board may wish to establish a number of committees to maximise efficiency and effectiveness.

24. Establishing committees on the board

The most common committees are:

• Finance and Audit Committee
• Nomination and Succession Committee
• Asset Management / Property Committee
• Fundraising Committee
• Remuneration Committee
• Risk Management Committee
• Executive Committee

The roles, responsibilities and reporting requirements for each Committee should be outlined in individual Committee Charters, the structure of which can be based on the Sample Board Charter.

Although it is acknowledged that people who are acting in a voluntary capacity will want to minimise rather than expand the number of committees, larger Schools may wish to appoint an Executive Committee and further split the functions of the abovementioned Committees.

Where an Executive Committee is appointed, it will usually comprise the Chair, a Deputy Chair (if there is one), the Principal and the Finance Committee Chair.  It is usually charged with the responsibility for the day to day overseeing of the Boardís strategy and policies.

Governance Guidelines

Across the Board

Purpose

Governance

Applying principles of good governance to schools

Legal status of schools

Primary legislation governing schools

Ancillary legislation

Funding and operating agreement

Structure of the school and delegation of powers

The key roles of the school board and its members

Legal obligations and potential liability of board members

Conflicts of interest

Charter for the school board

Constitution of the board and selection of board members

Orientation and ongoing education for board members

Retention of board members

Succession planning

The key roles of the chair

Legal obligations of the chair

The key roles of the principal

Relationship management

Performance management

Compliance and risk management

Board meetings

Establishing committees on the board

Whistle blowers

Additional resources

Appendix 1 – selection process

Appendix 2 – board skills matrix

Appendix 3 – performance management