Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Parent Governor Representative site. The questions and answers are listed below with a description of how to obtain more FAQ's at the bottom of the page.

Q: How many PGRs are there?

A: Each local authority is required to have between 2 and 5 PGRs. The numbers of PGRs in post at any one time varies but at 31 March 2005 there were 278 PGRs across England. Elections to fill PGR vacancies have to be held within a year of the posts becoming vacant.

Q: What is the PGRs term of office?

A: The term of office for a PGR is for determination by each local authority but must be not less than two but no more than four years.

Q: Which committees do they serve on?

A: The Local Government Act 2000 required local authorities to set up new constitutions, by 1 June 2002, usually involving small decision-making executives, and scrutiny committees to question and examine those executives. Under these regulations, PGRs are able to vote on any matters relating to education functions.

Q: What support do PGRs receive from local authorities?

A: Guidance on the 2000 Local Government Act suggests that, to operate effectively, PGRs require similar support to elected members. This support includes induction and further training, advice from the committee secretariat, providing relevant meeting papers, travel and other necessary expenses, access to a PC, and advice on communicating with parents. PGRs may also be paid a co-opted members allowance by virtue of the Local Authorities' (Members Allowance) Regulations 2003 (SI 1692/2003). These can be accessed via the Regulations link on the right-hand side of the page.

Q: What other training and support is available to PGRs?

A: The Department contracts the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) to run a national support network for PGRs, which includes an e-mail list, a regular newsletter and a website. More information can be found via the PGR Network link on the right-hand side of the page. The Department has also funded a new training and induction package for PGRs, developed and produced by the Centre for Public Scrutiny (CfPS). Details of the package can be obtained by clicking the Links option on the right-hand side of the page and selecting CfPS.

Further FAQ can be found on the PGR Network website.