Governors are reminded that the Department for Education (DfE) has announced (external link) that from September 2016 the details of those governing in maintained schools and academies must be uploaded to Edubase (external link), the DfE’s database of all schools in the country.
For academies, this requirement is stipulated in the updated Academies Financial Handbook 2016 (external link) but the DfE has pre-populated Edubase with the current information they hold about those governing in academy trusts. However, trusts will need to check the details held on Edubase for accuracy, make any updates and complete any empty fields. Going forward, trusts will be required to update Edubase as vacancies arise and new appointments are made.
For maintained schools this requirement is found in section 538 of the Education Act 1996 (external link), which sets out that governing bodies must submit such information to the Secretary of State as s/he requests. As the DfE does not currently hold information about those governing in maintained schools, this information will need to be filled in from scratch. As with academies, Edubase must be updated regularly where information about those governing changes.
Information regarding the exact details that will be collected and published on Edubase is outlined in the DfE’s press release (external link). Governing boards will need to also continue to publish details on their websites.
Please could Heads and Chairs of Governors ensure that these requirements are actioned and noted as part of their governing body minutes as appropriate.