In state schools, they have three main functions:[1] They are the largest volunteer force in the country.
Governors are unpaid, but they may be reimbursed for expenses for such as the care of dependants or relatives and travel costs.
Their voting rights are decided by the governing body, and are also limited by law to exclude matters concerning the budget, admissions, pupil discipline and the election or appointment of governors.
[citation needed] The process for election of chair and vice-chair and their term of office should be laid down in the governing body's standing orders.
The clerk is usually considered an integral part of the governing body, giving advice whilst not entitled to vote.
Their role is primarily one of providing advice and interpretation on the regulatory and administrative framework in which governors work, preparing and distributing minutes and agendas, keeping records and dealing with correspondence.
The role of the governing body is to provide strategic management, and to act as a "critical friend", supporting the work of the headteacher and other staff.
They can decide how many and what types of staff to employ, which equipment to upgrade or replace and what the priorities are for implementing new strategies and initiatives.
Finance, staffing, admissions, health and safety, curriculum and premises committees are very common.
Since 1 September 2003, particular committees can be given delegated powers to make decisions about the school that do not then require any approval by the full governing body Governors and clerks can be offered training and support either by the local authority, by central government or by other organisations.
There are a number of organisations, websites and resources that support governors and governing bodies in England and Wales.
The Key for School Governors is a subscription service which provides up-to-the-minute intelligence and resources to support governing boards.
GovernorLine is a free service delivered by an organisation called WorkLife Support, under contract to the UK government.
It also found that the composition and functioning of governing bodies was shaped by the social divisions of class, race and gender.