Management Information Sheet

You recently received nomination papers for the election of 2 new mainstream academy representatives on the Norfolk Schools Forum; the closing date given for nomination was Thursday, 22 October.

As well as requiring 2 new academy representatives, the Schools Forum also needs 2 delegated substitutes that we can be called upon in the event that an academy representative member is unable to attend a meeting.

Representatives on Schools Forum are there to represent the views of the whole academy sector, rather than their individual academy trust. Therefore, the representative needs to have, or be able to establish, the networks across Norfolk schools.

There has not been the usual level of response to such a request. It is totally understandable, given the pressures on school leaders over the last few months, that this important opportunity was missed.

For this reason, we have come to the decision to extend the period for nominations and are again asking academy trusts to put forward candidates. Academy Trust will receive a nomination form by email this week. If you have not received a form please email marilyn.edgeley@norfolk.gov.uk

Please note that:

• Academies members are there to represent the proprietor bodies of academies and are, therefore, not necessarily restricted to principals, senior staff or governors.
• However, in order to have a broad representation on the School Forum we particularly, but not exclusively, seek nominations from headteachers/principals/CEOs of academies to be these representatives
• There is no requirement for academies members to be split into primary and secondary sub-groups. However, it is good practice to be representative of the mix of primary and secondary pupils within academies in Norfolk where possible
• For the avoidance of doubt, free schools, university technical colleges and studio schools are classed as academies for this purpose. There is no distinction between sponsored and converter academies

Any Nominations already submitted will be entered onto the ballot paper and does not need to be re-entered.

Can nominations please indicate if they are willing to be considered as the representative, substitute or both.

Academy Trust can nomination one person only.

The new deadline for nominations will be 20 November 2020 and nominations should be returned to marilyn.edgeley@norfolk.gov.uk