Register of Business Interests
Transparency in relation to Governors' Business Interests
It is important that school governors and staff act impartially.
The governing board at Fircroft Primary School and school staff have a responsibility to avoid any conflict between their business and personal interests and affairs and those of the school. There is also a legal duty on all governors to declare an interest likely to lead to questions of bias when considering any item of business at a meeting and for the governor concerned to withdraw, if necessary, whilst the matter is considered.
We are required, by law, to keep a register indicating any business interests for all governors and the headteacher. This includes the company by whom they are employed, directorships, significant shareholdings or other appointments of influence within a business or other organisation which may have dealings with the school. This register also includes the interests of any member of their immediate family (including partners) or other individuals known to them who may exert influence on them. The register is designed to demonstrate that in spending the school’s budget (public money), the governors and headteacher do not benefit personally from decisions that they make.
This requirement also relates to the general principle that no-one should be involved in a decision where his or her personal interests may conflict with those of the governing board. If a person has any pecuniary (financial) interest, direct or indirect in any contract, proposed contract or any other matter under discussion at a meeting, he or she must disclose this fact, withdraw from the meeting during the consideration or discussion of the matter, and shall not vote on any questions with respect to that matter.
