Education authorities need powers to curb activities of school governors
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Education authorities should have more power to curb the activities of school governors who act unreasonably, according to Cherie Booth, wife of the Labour leader, Tony Blair. Ms Booth, a QC specialising in education and employment law and a governor of a London primary school, writes in the Times Educational Supplement that recent legislation has given governors "power without responsibility". Under local management, governing bodies have taken over many responsibilities which used to rest with local authorities - for example, decisions on hiring and firing staff.
Ms Booth and Jessica Hill, a solicitor, argue that all governors should face compulsory training and should be subjected to appraisal. The National Union of Teachers has already called for local authorities to have the power to remove obstructive governors.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments