Education Reform Act 1988

55 Proceedings of the governing body and allowances to members

(1) The proceedings of the governing body of a grant-maintained school shall not be invalidated by—

(a) any vacancy among their number; or

(b) any defect in the election or appointment of any governor.

(2) Subject to the provisions of this Chapter and any instrument made under this Chapter, the governing body of a grant-maintained school may regulate their own procedure.

(3) The instrument of government for any grant-maintained school may make provision as to the meetings and proceedings of the governing body.

(4) The provision that may be made by virtue of subsection (3) above includes in particular provision—

(a) as to the election of a chairman and vice-chairman;

(b) as to the establishment, constitution, meetings and proceedings of committees;

(c) for the delegation of functions of the governing body in such circumstances as may be specified in the instrument of government to committees established by that body or to any member of that body;

(d) as to the procedure (including any quorum) when business is transacted by governors of a particular category; and

(e) as to the procedure forr the election of members of the governing body and for the determination of any questions arising in connection with, or matters relating to, any such elections;

and the provision mentioned in paragraph (b) above may provide for a committee to include persons who are not members of the governing body.

(5) The governing body of a grant-maintained school shall have power to pay to their members such travelling, subsistence or other allowances as may be determined in accordance with a scheme made by the governing body and approved by the Secretary of State.

(6) Any scheme made under subsection (5) above may be varied or revoked by a subsequent scheme so made.

(7) The application of the seal of the governing body of a grant-maintained school shall be authenticated by the signature of the chairman of the governing body or of some other member authorised either generally or specially by the governing body to act for that purpose together with that of any other member.

(8) Every document purporting to be an instrument made or issued by or on behalf of the governing body of any such school and to be duly executed under the seal of the governing body, or to be signed or executed by a person authorised by the governing body to act in that behalf shall be received in evidence and be treated, without further proof, as being so made or issued unless the contrary is shown.