Foundation Governors in Maintained Schools
The distinctive role of Foundation Governors
Foundation Governors have a special role in, and responsibility for, ensuring that the Christian character of a Church of England school is secured, preserved and developed and that the school is run in accordance with any trust deed relating to the school.
Foundation Governors are representatives of the Church of England on the Governing Body. They should endeavor to cultivate respect for the spiritual and moral beliefs of the Christian tradition, and to create a community in which pupils, cared for as individuals, are helped to find fulfillment as they grow towards adulthood. As an active Christian presence within the school, they are a vital link between parish and school, playing a unique role in strengthening and enriching the dynamic relationship between school, Church and the wider community.
Foundation governors have certain specific roles and responsibilities over above other governors, which will depend on the type of school in which they operate. However, they will all need to work with the PCC and local parish church, the Incumbent and other members of the school's Governing Body in upholding the school's ethos statement and making sure that the school is distinctively Christian.
Appointment processes and procedures
Guidance on the role of a Foundation Governor in the different types of Church of England maintained schools (Voluntary Aided, Voluntary Controlled and Foundation) can be found below, along with a summary of our process for the appointment of Foundation Governors in maintained schools and our standard recommendation form for potential Foundation Governors.
If you have any questions about their operation, please contact Anita Smukulis PA to Andrew Smith, Diocesan Director of Education & Administrator to the team (anita.smukulis@yorkdiocese.org).