Is anyone the vice chair of governors?

[Libster79]

Hi, I've been a parent governor for nearly 3 years and was elected to vice chair this November. I'm just wondering if anyone can give me some advise on how they work with the chair and HT. I have a very good relationship with our HT but the chair has no interest in working with me. Following my election I suggested we meet to plan how we would work together going forward but she doesn't think this is necessary and has proposed meeting only on the day of full governors meetings to discuss any questions/ points I plan to raise as she doesn't want any 'surprises' during the meeting. From everything I've read I assumd that we'd meet much more regularly to keep me fully informed and possibly having to take on additional work/ responsibilities. Any advice would be gratefully appreciated.

[Galena]

I am also a parent governor (have been for 18 months, now). In our governing body we have 2 vice-chairs - the chairs of the 2 committees are vice-chairs of the FGB. I am chair of the curriculum subcommittee so, therefore, vice chair of the FGB.

I am also, by default, on the HT appraisal committee and the strategy committee due to being chair of curriculum subcommittee (It was a big commitment!)

This means that I work very closely with the chair and the HT. However, I don't have any meetings with the chair other than those timetabled in for the committees.

[admission]

The position of vice chair does vary between being just a title (standing in for chair if not present) to carrying specific duties which are designed to lead you towards becoming chair in the future.
Reading between the lines, maybe the current chair thinks you are pushing to become chair and feels her position is threatened by you. Maybe you could try to balance this up a bit by saying you have such a lot to learn and that you could not see yourself being in a position to consider being Chair in the next three years. That you want to learn of her etc.
At least by doing this you will find out whether she feels threatened and therefore whether she has any intention of helping you