Seeking advice dealing with a competency issues relating to the headteacher

Commentary

All schools must have a policy that deals with capability of staff at the school (often this will be provided by the Local Authority) agreed and adopted by the governing body. It is noted that the governor felt the process took time but staff undergoing a capability process must be offered the opportunity to improve.

There is usually a 3-step approach which includes an informal stage with a support programme put in place, to a more formal stage when warnings may be issued, to the final stage of dismissal.  There is national guidance from Welsh Government on dealing with the capability of headteachers (https://gov.wales/capability-headteachers-guidance). The Chair of governors is usually responsible for dealing with headteacher capability at the informal stage of the process, with a capability panel being set up to deal with Stage 2.  Stage 3 of the process would be dealt with by the staff disciplinary and dismissal committee.

The Local Authority is the employer of staff in community schools; however, governing bodies have delegated powers to deal with conduct, discipline and capability of staff.  Support will be available from the Local Authority however, there may be times when an external opinion will be beneficial to ensure that impartial advice is received.  Governors Cymru Services provides independent support for governing bodies in Wales –http://governors.cymru/subscriptions/