The West Somerset College Local Governing Body is currently made up of a team of six Governors including the Head Teacher. We have several appointed officers on our Local Governing Body. In addition to the usual positions of a Chair and Vice Chair, there are also link Governors who are assigned to specific areas of College activity; Safeguarding, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities; Health and Safety; Pupil Premium and Careers Education Information and Guidance. 

Our Local Governing Body will meet a minimum of four times during the academic year depending upon the volume of business. We can add additional meetings if workload dictates or create a sub-group to scrutinise a particular area in depth. Our Local Governing Body also has representation on the Trust Board. 

The 3 core functions of our Governors are to - 

• ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction 

• hold leaders to account for the educational performance of the College and its pupils, and the performance management of staff 

• overseeing the financial performance of the College making sure it is money well spent. 

In broad terms, the main governance responsibilities of our Local Governing Body are as follows: 

• monitoring the performance of and outcomes for all areas of education and curriculum 

• monitor the clarity of vision and ethos  

• monitor the safety and well-being of all our pupils 

• evaluation and scrutiny of termly Action Plans 

• monitoring finances and risks the College may have 

• monitoring pupil premium spending, impact and outcomes 

• reviewing our rolling three-year Development Plan 

• approving local College policies 

The role of the Governors and the structures and systems needed to support strong governance continues to evolve and change. This position statement providing a broad overview of governance at West Somerset College will be reviewed and updated, as necessary, for each new academic year. 

Laura Mackie

Chair, West Somerset College Local Governing Body