The fund-raising success of Friends of St. Katharine’s School (FSK) means that it must convert to a registered charity.  FSK is a member of the National Confederation of Parent Teacher Association (NCPTA). The NCPTA has prepared a model constitution that FSK plans to adopt. As well as the legal implications, there are some practical ones that are explained here:

Firstly there is what this means for FSK:

• A formal committee whose members are officially elected with certain nominated roles: Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary
• The rest of the committee will be made up of a parent from each year group, the Headteacher and a member of the teaching staff
• Charity status for FSK brings voting rights into the meetings
• The committee will hold a formal Annual General Meeting in the Autumn Term
• FSK will publish audited accounts for the AGM
• The constitution continues to ensure that the activities of FSK support the stated ethos of the school

Secondly, we need to be clear about how various stakeholders will work together for the benefit of our children:

• FSK work to support the school within its ethos by organizing activities and raising funds

• The School is responsible for the education and care of our children
• The Governors, as the employers, provide strategic direction for the School

To help these three groups work well together the following will happen:

• We will publish a joint calendar that synchronises the activities of these three groups
• The Chair of FSK will be an ex-officio member of Communications Committee
• A governor will always attend FSK committee meetings