In an academy “trustees” fulfil the roles traditionally fulfilled by governors.  Like all school governors, they promote the vision, ethos and strategic direction of the school; are a critical friend to the headteacher and hold them to account for the school’s performance; and oversee the use of resources to ensure money is well spent.  At Bournemouth School all trustees are also “members” – so all trustees sit on the board of the trust.  Members ensure that the academy trust’s charitable objectives are being met, maintain an overview of the effectiveness of the trust structure and have the power to appoint and remove trustees. 

Academies have the legal status of companies and are also charitable trusts.  This means trustees have the responsibilities of both company directors and charity trustees.  They must have the best interests of the academy uppermost in their minds at all times, and have a duty of compliance, ensuring all relevant laws and regulations are followed.  As holders of a public office, trustees should also be aware of the Nolan principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Like all company directors and charity trustees, academy trustees must be autonomous in their decision-making and avoid conflicts of interest.  For example, if they are connected to another organisation in the local community, such as a business, their decisions as a trustee must be made independently.

The Governing Body of Bournemouth School currently comprises 13 trustees, four of whom are members of staff and one of whom is a parent. 

Bournemouth School Governing Body 2022/23
Chairman	Mr M Jones
Vice Chairman	Mr A Turle
Parent Governors	Dr J Bray
	Mrs D Skotnicki
	Dr M Vassallo
Staff Governors	Miss M Gosling
	Dr D Lewis
	Mrs C Lloyd-Hopkins
	Mrs J Roche
Other Governors	Dr D Biggins
	Mr W Pyke
	Mr A Spotswood
	Ms K Turton

Parents, including carers, of pupils are eligible to stand for election as trustees.  Parent trustees are elected by other parents at the school.  All parents are advised of when an election is to be held.

Those who become school trustees give of their time and bring their experience to help the school provide the best possible education for each of its students.

Members of the Governing Body may be contacted through the Clerk.  Correspondence should be sent to the usual school address, clearly marked for the attention of The Clerk to the Governing Body, or by email to cgovernors@bournemouth-school.org