Warrington School/Board Of Trustees/The Relationship between the Chair and the Principal Policy

The Relationship between the Chairperson and the Principal Policy

The chairperson is the leader of the board and works on behalf of the board on a day to day basis with the principal.

The relationship principles are to be read in line with the following:

• The board’s agreed governance and management definitions
• The board’s Roles & Responsibilities Policy
• The Responsibilities of the Principal Policy
• The Chairperson’s Role Policy
• The Trustees’ Code of Behaviour Policy

Relationship principles:

• A positive, productive working relationship between the principal and the chair is both central and vital to the school.
• This relationship is based on mutual trust and respect.
• The two must work as a team and there should be no surprises.
• The relationship must be professional.
• Each must be able to counsel the other on performance concerns.
• The chair supports the principal and vice versa when required and appropriate.
• There is understanding/acceptance of each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
• Each agree not to undermine the other’s authority.
• There is agreement to be honest with each other.
• Each agree and accept the need to follow policy and procedures.
• Agree not to hold back relevant information.
• Agree and understand that the chair has no authority except that granted by the board.

• Understand that the chair should act as a sounding board for the principal both supporting and challenging in order to hold the school to account for achieving the goals and targets that have been set.

Review schedule: 3 yearly