The Board of Governors
Governors are responsible for setting the strategic direction of the school and ensuring effective governance.
The Board of Governors has 4 core functions:
- Setting the vision and long-term priorities of the school
- Holding leaders to account for the educational performance of the school
- Ensuring financial health, probity and value for money, and
- Ensuring policies and procedures are robust and effective.
What does the Board of Governors do?
Governors are responsible for a number of areas including attainment, finance, policies and procedures. Their role involves working closely with the Headteacher and staff to ensure children get the best possible education to enable them to reach their full potential, in an environment where they feel safe, valued and where learning is fun.
Working closely with the Headteacher and staff, governors strive to ensure that every child receives a high-quality education in a safe, supportive environment where they feel valued and where learning is enjoyable. Alongside working to secure strong academic outcomes, the Governing Board is proud to support a school community that builds children’s confidence through encouragement, praise and opportunity.
The Instrument of Government
The school’s instrument of Government, which came into effect on 13th March 2015, states that the Board of Governors shall comprise:
4 Parent Governors
1 Local Authority Governor
1 Staff Governor
1 Headteacher
5 Co-Opted Governors
12 Governors in total
The Current membership of the Board is as follows:
| Category | Name of Governor | Term Started | Term Ends |
| Parent 1 | Mrs Bridget Drew-Spyer | 03/02/2026 | 02/02/2030 |
| Parent 2 | Mrs Amelia Marks | 03/02/2026 | 02/02/2030 |
| Parent 3 | Ms Hannah Wright | 18/09/2026 | 17/09/2030 |
| Parent 4 | Mr Lance Johnson | 18/09/2026 | 17/09/2030 |
| LA Nominated | Vacancy | ||
| Staff | Rachel Mahaffy | 24/09/2026 | 23/09/2030 |
| Headteacher | Mrs Helen Seward | 13/04/2026 | Ex-officio |
| Co-opted 1 | Ann McDonald – Vice Chair of Governors | 07/07/2026 | 06/07/2030 |
| Co-opted 2 | Mrs Joy Price Bish | 11/02/2025 | 10/02/2029 |
| Co-opted 3 | Vacancy | ||
| Co-opted 4 | Vacancy | ||
| Co-opted 5 | Vacancy | ||
| Additional 1 | Mrs Patricia Carrington – Chair of Governors | 20/11/2025 | 19/11/2026 |
Governance Structure
The governance of the school is carried out in accordance with the Governing Board’s agreed Standing Orders and Terms of Reference
In addition to meeting as a Full Governing Board at least six times a year, a governors’ Finance & Resources Committee meets 5 times a year.
Finance and Resources Committee
The Finance & Resources Committee oversees the financial aspects of the running of the school, monitoring expenditure, approving the budget and agreeing the final accounts. All aspects of the school premises are also managed by the Committee, including capital bids for renovation and new building projects.
Attendance at Meetings
A record of the attendance of individual governors at meeting s during the last 12 months is available here: Governor Attendance
Governor Link Roles and Responsibilities
In addition to their collective duties, governors undertake specific link roles with defined responsibilities. Full details can be found in the Register of Governors’ Terms of Office, Interests, Roles and Responsibilities.
Governors’ Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Interests
Each year, all governors declare in writing any financial and business interests. They must also declare whether they are related to any members of staff and whether they are governors at any other schools. At the beginning of every meeting, governors must declare any interests in agenda items that may affect their impartiality.
Please refer to the Register of Governors’ Terms of Office, Interests, Roles and Responsibilities, by clicking on the link above. This document also includes details of governors who have stepped down in the last 12 months.
Governors has adopted and agreed to abide by a Code of Conduct which is based on the Nolan Principles for public life:
Transparency and Accountability
At Gastrells Primary School, we are committed to transparency and accountability in all aspects of our work, including financial management.
As part of this commitment, we confirm that no member of staff earns a salary in excess of £100,000 per year.
We adhere to strict regulations and guidance regarding salaries and remuneration, ensuring that public funds are managed responsibly and effectively.
Minutes of Meetings
Approved minutes of Governors’ meetings are available on request from the Clerk to Governors: clerk@gastrells.gloucs.sch.uk
Governors’ Allowances Policy
Please also see our policy on allowances for governors: Governor Expenses Policy
Other Important Documents Regarding Governance:
Governor Policies
