Any Primary school governors out there?

[FANTINE2]

Just discovered that a serving Headteacher from another school in the same authority has just been made an LA Governor at my son's school.
Is this common practice or does it constitute a conflict of interests when it comes to things like, staffing, appointments, curriculum etc?
Just doesn't really sit well with me somehow.

Governors are strategic, not operational, so there shouldn't be a conflict.

We have a senior teacher from another local school on our governing body, and he is brilliant - brings a new level of insight. He asks challenging questions, but is very respectful and doesn't try to interfere operationally.

I think it's perfectly ok. The governing body should know these rules inside out. But it's strange they have the time to spare as its voluntary and the HT has be heavily involved in their own schools governing body.

our deputy head is a chair of governors in a neighbouring authority. We have an agenda item every meeting when governors declare interests; this person ought to do that, and should probably not be involved in any staffing issues. I can't see a curriculum conflict tho - their experience and insight will surely be invaluable?

Yes, totally normal.

As long as it's acknowledged, eg in the register of interests, there shouldn't be a problem. I often see teachers being encouraged to take on governance roles as part of their CPD. Governing at another school can bring a fresh perspective and a good opportunity to learn from another leadership team.

Yes, totally normal, we have a similar arrangement. Not sure how it poses a conflict of interest really, except in the unlikely event of them or a member of their staff applying for a position at the school, but it's only HT appointments that the full governing body is involved in and they could just opt out of the recruitment process if necessary. I'd have thought being a parent governor throws up far more potential conflicts eg I was not allowed to sit on a complaints panel recently as it involved a child in dc's year.

As an ex goveror I would be pleased about this rather than concerned. They will be very knowledgeable and up to date on issues.