Governance
Berkhamsted Schools Group is an incorporated charity led by a Board of Governors.
Our governors are the company directors and charity trustees of the Berkhamsted Schools Group, with control over all aspects of the charity.
We aim to have between 12 and 16 governors on the board at all times, with each governor possessing a wide range of skills and experiences that will benefit the School.
The board of governors meets four times a year and has established three subcommittees to assist with the day-to-day running of the School.
- Risk and Regulatory Committee
- Finance and Property and Committee
- Education Committee
The subcommittees meet once every term.
Our objectives are: “To promote the education (including social and physical training) of boys and girls and in particular, but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, to conduct day or day and boarding schools in or near Berkhamsted at which religious education (in accordance with the principles of the Church of England) is provided.”
There is also a Chairs’ committee comprising the Chair of Governors and the chairs of the three subcommittees. The Chair’s committee meets once each term to discuss matters of strategy, but this committee is not a decision-making entity.
Governor Recruitment
New governors are recommended by a panel of existing governors and senior staff, which meets as and when required.
Governors usually serve a term of three years, with a maximum of three consecutive terms of office. They are approved or re-elected by the board of governors. The board aims to ensure an even distribution of retirement dates to allow the continued safe running of the school.
The Governors have agreed that the governing body should have a wide range of expertise, but that the following core skills must be covered at all times:
- Education
- Commercial
- Legal and Governance
- Finance
- Property
- HR
- Third Sector Experience
Other key areas of expertise include communications, brand and marketing, corporate finance, strategy and risk, sustainability and IT.
Diversity
At Berkhamsted, we strongly believe that a diverse and inclusive board of governors is essential for effective governance and positive outcomes. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion extends beyond just words; it is embedded in our actions, policies, and decision-making processes.
Why is diversity so important?
1. Robust decision making: Bringing together individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. enhances our discussions and ensures that decisions are made robustly, considering the needs of all pupils, staff and stakeholders.
2. Reflecting our community: By including people from different genders, ethnicities, ages, abilities, and social and economic backgrounds, we ensure that everyone’s voice is heard and represented.
3. Equity and inclusion: We strive to offer the same opportunities to everyone, while acknowledging that different individuals need different support to access those opportunities. Our commitment to inclusion ensures that everyone feels valued.
Interested in becoming a Governor at Berkhamsted?
If you are interested in knowing more about the requirements of being a Governor please email our Clerk mentioning your experience and why you want to join our board.
Please e-mail the Clerk to the Governors or you can send correspondence to:
Chair of Governors
Berkhamsted School
133 High Street
Berkhamsted
Herts
HP4 2DJ
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Our history
Berkhamsted School was founded in 1541 by John Incent, Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral.