AQW 18899/17-22 Written question to the Minister of Education
To ask the Minister of Education, given the assertion neither he nor his Department have any management responsibility or legal control over school govenors, why the Education Authority requires governors to attend their training courses.
Asked by Kellie Armstrong MLA on 14 May 2021
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 14 May 2021
- Answer due by
- 1 June 2021
- Answered
- 25 May 202111 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Education
- Priority question
- No
Answer
Boards of Governors play an important role in supporting schools to ensure that pupils have every opportunity to develop to their full potential within a caring and stimulating learning environment. The Department and the Education Authority have different responsibilities. For instance the Education Authority provides governors with a range of resources and support, including training, to help them become more effective. Training is not mandatory for Governors, however it is expected that they would attend the following:
| Training Course | Number / Category of governor required to attend |
| The Safeguarding Role of the Chairperson and Designated Governor | Chairperson and Designated Governor |
| Child protection Awareness Training Level 1 | All governors |
| An Introduction to Recruitment and Selection | At least one member of each board of governors who will sit on recruitment panels |