Filling Panels
As you know, governing boards are required to staff hearing panels for:
- Complaints that can’t be resolved by the headteacher
- Disciplinaries
- Grievances
- Exclusions
3 panel members are usually required for these panels and this can sometimes be hard to achieve because:
- Panel members have to be “untainted” – that is they must have no prior involvement in the situation.
- These are usually complex cases that can go through several stages which can “use up” your board members.
- School policies may require that a panel member must be external to the board.
- Simple availability during the school day can be an issue since policy timelines are rigorously enforceable.
This can be particularly challenging for smaller MATs and maintained schools, but is also an issue for many schools.
Members of the OGA have staffed several panels for schools across Oxfordshire and may well be able to help you. We bring knowledge and experience to help in difficult circumstances.
A couple of caveats:
- We don’t represent the OGA when we staff panels – we are simply experienced governors
- We are volunteers just like you and can’t promise availability. But if we can help, we certainly will.
Contact us via oga4schoolgovernors.org.uk