Anonymous allegations against members of staff

Commentary

There are set procedures to follow when an allegation against a member of staff is received. This will depend on the nature of the issue, for example, was this a conduct, or safeguarding issue in this situation?  It is sometimes difficult to investigate an anonymous allegation so approaching the staff was a good idea. 

The governor who was tasked with carrying out the investigation should have received some support during the process, from the Local Authority, and Governors Cymru Services if the governing body were subscribers to the service.

Welsh Government guidance on disciplinary and dismissal procedures for school staff

(https://gov.wales/disciplinary-and-dismissal-procedures-school-staff) details the process, but ultimately, the school’s own policy and procedure must be followed.

This governing body was lucky to have someone who had experience in this area.  Have you carried out a governor skills audit?  If not, there may be governors who have expertise in certain areas that the governing body can utilise. Their specific skills can be used to carry out governing body functions effectively. Governors Cymru Services has a template that can be used:

http://governors.cymru/publications/2018/08/29/governor-skills-audit/ Please seek advice from the Local Authority or Diocesan Authority as appropriate, right from the beginning or contact Governors Cymru Services on support@governors.cymru