Governors Structure and Membership

The Role of the Governing Body

As a Local Authority school, Durham Johnston Comprehensive School's Governing Body is responsible for:

• The strategic direction of the school, working closely with school leaders.
• raising standards of academic achievement and pastoral support.
• recruitment of staff.
• representing the views of the local community.
• managing school budgets and risk assessments.
• taking a strategic overview of staff appraisal.
• promoting the values and ethos of the school.

There are several categories of governor:

• Associate Governor – appointed by the Governing Body
• Co-opted Governors - elected by the Governing Body
• Headteacher – governor by virtue of office
• Local Authority Governor – nominated by the LA and appointed by the Governing Body
• Parent Governors – elected by parents
• Staff Governor – elected by school staff Student
• Associate Governor – Year 12 students - elected annually by their peers in January. Student governors serve a one-year term of office.

The current governing body membership is outlined below. You can see information about committee membership by clicking on the link to view the register of attendance at meetings. You can also find below a register of business interests, which includes information about the terms of office of current governors as well as those from the previous twelve months.

Detailed information about the structure and remit of the governing body can be found in the Governors’ Handbook, also available below.

Current Governing Body Membership 

Co-opted Governors
Dr Victoria Maltman (Chair)
Mr Alastair McCall
Professor Simon Morris 
Mrs Katherine Sims-Williams
Mr Benjamin Westwood
Dr Sandra Whitton (Vice Chair)
Mrs Claire Young
[Vacancy]

Local Authority Governor
Councillor Elizabeth Scott

Parent Governors
Mr Mark Burdon
Mr Craig Davies
[Vacancy]
[Vacancy]
[Vacancy]

Staff Governors
Mrs Rosslyn McFadden
Miss Beth McKenzie