Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Borough Treasurer.

The report details the final 2016/17 Terms of Reference (ToR) document and an update on membership further to the report presented on this subject matter at last meeting held 29 September 2016.

Schools Forum is asked to note the report.

Officer Contact: Peter Hughes on 0161 474 3947 or email peter.hughes@stockport.gov.uk.

A representative of the Borough Treasurer submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing the final 2016/17 Terms of Reference document and an update on membership further to the report presented on this subject matter at the last meeting held 29 September 2016.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Ian Roberts had been appointed as a governor at a primary school and would therefore be representing the primary sector on Schools Forum as opposed to the academy sector.

·         Letters had been distributed to members who had not attended two or more meetings in the previous 12 month period seeking explanation for non-attendance.

·         Concerns were raised regarding the tone of the letter that was distributed.

·         Whether or not apologies for absence had been received from a member should be taken into consideration when deciding if a non-attendance letter should be sent.

·         Officers from Schools Finance were available to undertake one to one inductions with new Schools Forum members if they felt that they needed it.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Borough Treasurer be requested to amend the Terms of Reference document to take into account apologies for absence when distributing non-attendance letters.

(3) That the Borough Treasurer be requested to submit a draft version of the non-attendance letter to a future meeting of Schools Forum for approval prior to distribution.