Clerking Service

We are always interested to hear from potential new Clerks who would like to join our service. Please contact Carole Ford 0800 073 4444 ext 834104

Introduction
The clerking service for governing bodies was launched by Babcock 4S in September 2003.
 
Our support to governing bodies is aimed at providing them with the tools that will enable them to fulfil their statutory and strategic roles of:

- providing a Strategic view
- acting as a Critical Friend
- ensuring Accountability.

In recent years the Department for Education has increased the responsibilities of clerks and established for them a key role in dealing with governor appointments.  It has also acknowledged that the contribution of a good clerk is a significant factor in ensuring that governing bodies work effectively.  This is borne out by the model job description drawn up by the DfE.
 
Ofsted also recognise the value of a good clerk in their publication “Making it Better” stating that;

“All governors’ meetings benefit from the services of a good clerk……effective clerks also research information for governors, eg requirements of recent educational legislation……a good clerk ensures that information, agendas and minutes are all sent to governors at the right time…”
 
In addition to the above, feedback from our Best Value Review questionnaire sent to chairmen, headteachers and clerks in 2002, indicated that some governing bodies were experiencing difficulty in appointing a new clerk.
 
In view of these factors we felt that providing a clerking service would help ease the burden on schools at the same time as assisting with the governing body’s effectiveness.  A number of schools approached us during 2002/03 asking if we could provide a clerk for them so we felt that the demand for this service was growing.

What is available?
The clerking service is offered as an option for governing bodies and schools to consider as opportunities arise and in the light of the forthcoming workforce reforms.  All clerks who provide the clerking service for schools will either be undergoing or have completed the Accreditation training programme.

We offer varying levels of clerking service support to governing bodies:
- The core service (for the three statutory governing body meetings per year). 
- For convenience governing bodies can buy additional full governing body meetings and committee meetings to enhance the core service.

How Does the Clerking Service Work?
Once a decision has been made we will:
- appoint a clerk for your school who will be line managed by Babcock 4S Governance Consultancy with day to day management by the chairman of governors and/or headteacher;
- arrange a meeting with the chairman and headteacher to introduce the clerk and discuss the requirements for your school and any practical arrangements;
- draw up a brief agreement between the school and Babcock 4S Governance Consultancy which will form the basis of how we will work together. 
- endeavour to be as flexible as possible, however depending on requirements this may incur additional costs to the school.

Monitoring and Evaluation
To monitor the service provided Governance Consultancy will:
- carry out a review with chair and/or headteacher after the first 2 terms;
- monitor quality of governing body meeting minutes;
- maintain a network of clerks;
- send out an annual evaluation survey.

What you need to do next?
If your school is considering purchasing the Clerking Service please contact Carole Ford on 0800 073 4444 ext 834104 to discuss your requirements.
 
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q What if I buy the core service but the governors need an extra meeting?
A Agree the additional meeting with your clerk.  Confirm it is taking place with Carole Ford on 0800 073 4444 ext 834104 and you will be invoiced for the additional meeting.

Q What if our clerk is unable to attend a meeting through sickness or planned absence?
A As part of the clerking service agreement, provided we are notified of a forthcoming absence, we will appoint a temporary clerk to service the meeting.
 
Q What if there is a problem with the service provided?
A Contact Carole Ford on 0800 073 4444 ext 834104 to discuss your concerns.  We will, of course, endeavour to resolve problems as quickly as possible.