Nominations From Parents For College Governing Body

Ref: DJH/MEE

6 November 2009

Dear Parent

I am writing to seek nominations from parents willing to serve on the College Governing Body from November 2009. There are two vacancies to be filled. A 'parent' for the purpose of the election is a person with 'Parental Responsibility' as defined by the Children Act 1989 and includes married parents, mothers of non-marital children and divorced or separated parents. It may also include unmarried fathers who may acquire parental responsibilities by agreement with the mother or by means of a Court Order. Guardians, non-parents in respect of whom a Residence Order is made and local authorities in respect of whom a Care Order is made may also acquire parental responsibility. A Parent Governor must have a child in the College at the beginning of the College Year in September 2009.

There are circumstances which disqualify parents from standing for election to the Governing Body, but not from proposing or voting for candidates. In brief, these are where a person has been adjudged bankrupt or has been convicted of a criminal offence during the last 5 years for which a prison sentence (suspended or not) for a period of not less than 3 months, without the option of a fine, was imposed; an elected member of the Local Authority or an employee at the College working for more than 500 hours per year.

For the purpose of proposing candidates, a nomination slip is attached to this letter which should be completed and posted to me by those parents wishing to make nominations to arrive no later than Friday 13 November 2009 at 12 noon. Those parents nominated and seconded (by eligible parents) and who have indicated their willingness to stand for election by signing the nomination slip may submit brief biographical details (approximately 100 words) for circulation with ballot papers.

On the closing date for the receipt of nominations, if the number of candidates is the same as, or fewer than, the number of vacancies, then all candidates will be duly elected unopposed. If, however, there are more candidates than vacancies an election by secret ballot will be held.

Ballot papers will be sent to parents eligible to vote for completion and should be returned to me within seven days of their despatch. The completed ballot papers should be returned via your child, mail, or in person, in a sealed envelope. If returned by your child they should be handed in to their Form Tutor. Each parent has one ballot paper irrespective of the number of children at College.

The date and time for the count will be Friday 27 November 2009 and candidates are invited to attend the opening of the ballot box and subsequent count. All voting slips must be returned to the Principal's PA by 09:30 on this day. An independent scrutineer, who will be a parent of a child at the College not seeking election, will be present during the count.

The parent polling the highest number of votes will be declared duly elected to the Governing Body.

The result of the election, (or if any election was not necessary, the names of the nominees) will be circulated to all parents as soon as possible after the count. The result will also be displayed in the main entrance of the College premises for seven days.

Please sign your child's planner on the College/Home Communications, page 46, to indicate that you have received this letter.

Yours sincerely

Mr D J Hampson, OBE
Principal and Chief Executive

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