Parent governor representatives (PGRs) are parent governors elected by other parent governors to represent the views of all parents, in an apolitical way, on local authority (LA) overview and scrutiny committees and sub-committees dealing with education.
PGRs have speaking rights on any issue under discussion by the committee but may only vote on issues relating to education. Each LA must appoint at least two and not more than five PGRs to each committee or sub-committee dealing with education issues. PGRs serve a term of office of not less than two but no more than four years.
The role of the PGR is, primarily, to hold their authority to account by consulting with and feeding back to parents on discussions and decisions relating to education.
Information about PGRs available on the PGR website includes
- their role
- how they are elected
- committee voting rights
- how to contact local PGRs
- how to access official publications.
Legislation
PGRs were established in the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, amending section 499 of the Education Act 1996, and are subject to their own regulations, The Parent Governor Representatives (England) Regulations 2001.
Best practice
The best practice guidance for PGRs has been designed to help them and LAs carry out their role effectively. The guidance can be found on the PGR website.
The guidance provides information on
- becoming a PGR
- the role of the PGR
- induction, support and development
- contacting parents
- hints and tips
- details procedures
- committees.
