A proposal to have the minutes of school governors’ meetings published online in the spirit of “openness and transparency” was approved last week.

Clr. Viv Stoddart had called for the minutes to be made more accessible and her notice of motion came under the spotlight at the schools and learning overview and scrutiny committee on Thursday, April 26, at County Hall.

Clr. Stoddart argued that although all schools said the minutes were available to view in hard copy on request this could be “intimidating” for parents and other interested parties.

She saw no reason that could not be overcome – such as anonymity for governors if requested – to not publish minutes online.

“I thought my request would simple be a gentle nudge but from the report you would think I was asking officers to breach the secrets act,” said Clr. Stoddart.

She told members of the committee that Pembroke School already published minutes on its website and “the sky hasn’t fallen in.”

A recommendation from officer Steve Russell-Stretch was that schools be asked to put a reminder online that the minutes were available to access. This is already done by Milford Haven School.

“I’ve had calls over the years from schools saying ‘someone wants to see the minutes and we’re not going to let them’ and I’ve always told them they have to,” said Mr. Russell-Stretch.

Full governors’ meetings have minutes taken by trained professionals from a council support service and issues of data protection or identification should be dealt with prior to discussions starting said some councillors.

“They should resolve to go into private sessions, as we do,” said Clr. Mike Stoddart.

Clr. Paul Rapi added: “They can make decisions that will affect staff and students. I think they should be more accountable and more open with their meetings.”

Concerns about identifying children and families when discussing matters of funding for equipment and support at small primary schools were raised by Clr. Michelle Bateman.

Clr. Stoddart argued that legislation, made in 2005, had “not kept up with modern means of accessibility.”

She added that accepting her notice of motion would be a request to schools to publish minutes, the local authority cannot compel the governors to do so, but if they did not “feel comfortable” it was up to them.

Nine councillors voted in favour of Clr. Stodart’s motion and it was referred back to cabinet for a decision or further referral. Three voted against and two abstained from the vote.