Chairperson

Overall

• Leading the committee and the organisation to enable it to fulfil its purpose.

To ensure an effective relationship between:

1. the committee and the staff/volunteers
2. the committee and the external stakeholders/community

• Acting as a spokesperson and figurehead as appropriate.
• To supervise and support the head of staff.
• Comply with the setting’s policies, data protection laws, Charity Acts, Equality Act, Ofsted, Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the Local Authority Provider Agreement, Special educational needs and disabilities code of practice: 0-25 years, health and safety legislation, and employment law
• Ensure that the setting has effective safeguarding policies and procedures in accordance with the statutory requirements of the EYFS.
• The chair/committee safeguarding lead should not have a role in dealing with individual cases; this is the function of the designated safeguarding lead in the setting. However, they should be made aware of any ongoing child protection cases on an unknown basis. All committee members/trustee do need to be aware of signs and symptoms of abuse and know the reporting procedures to follow if they have concerns.
• Work on the group's governing document
• Attend and participate in meetings
• Contribute to the setting of the vision and ethos and writing of policies

Specifically

• Plan and prepare the committee meetings and the AGM with others as appropriate.

Chair committee meetings, ensuring:

1. A balance is struck between time-keeping and space for discussions.
2. Business is dealt with and decisions made.
3. Decisions, actions and deliberations are adequately minuted.
4. The implementation of decisions is clearly assigned and monitored.
5. Ensure adequate support and supervision arrangements are made for the head of staff and any other staff/volunteers directly managed or reporting to the committee.
6. Ensure that a successor is found before the term of office finishes.

• Act as a signatory
• Represent the group
• Act as a nominated individual for Ofsted and outside agencies such as Charity Commission
• Ensure meetings take place
• Work with the secretary to develop agendas for meetings
• Work with the Treasurer to ensure appropriate financial checks are in place, that an annual budget is prepared and reviewed and that all financial fiduciary obligations are met
• Chair meetings - tips for chairing meetings include: ensure an agenda has been written and circulated before the meeting; ensure a financial report is made at every meeting; keep to time; ensure members keep on topic; give all an opportunity to speak; make sure minutes are recorded and any decisions or actions are recorded and ensure policies and procedures of the setting are adhered to.
• Have a casting vote
• Ensure other committee members know their roles
• Ensure the group functions properly and works within the governing document
• Ensure legal duties are met in both the setting and the committee
• Develop policies and ensure they are updated
• Notify any changes to Ofsted
• Ensure confidentiality
• Deal with emergencies
• Ensure safeguarding issues are dealt with, notifications are made to the appropriate persons and responsibilities are met under the EYFS section 3 welfare requirements
• Work with the setting manager to complete the safeguarding audit provided by Early Education and Childcare Advisory Service (available online)
• Ensure child protection policies are in place and adhered to
• Ensure a record is kept of staff qualifications, identity checks, DBS checks for staff and committee and references
• Ensure safer recruitment practices are embedded in practice
• Deal with employment issues
• Deal with allegations against staff
• Support the work of the treasurer

Duties and responsibilities for all trustees

• Be aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and know the reporting procedures to follow if they have concerns.
• Work on the group's governing document
• Attend and participate in meetings
• Contribute to the setting of the vision and ethos and writing of policies
• Assist in the recruitment of new committee members/trustees
• Contribute to recruiting staff using safer recruitment practices - develop a job description, assist with interviews, obtain references and DBS Checks
• Make sure ongoing employment functions are handled, such as national insurance, tax, pensions, TUPE, redundancy, flexible working rights, statutory holiday entitlement, and maternity leave.
• Ensure Health and Safety requirements are adhered to, including Environmental Health, appropriate insurance is in place, and financial and legal requirements are met
• Have an awareness of the financial position of the setting