A MINOR proof-reading error in a resolution amending the National Governors’ Council’s constitution helped tip a fragile conference into what one delegate called a “diabolical shambles”.

The resolution, removing the bar on executive members serving for more than two consecutive two-year terms (four years), was eventually passed at last weekend’s spring conference in Birmingham - but only after a barrage of protest, points of order, counter amendment and criticism.

The use of “concurrent” instead of “consecutive” triggered the disagreements.

Secretary Mary Wallis-Jones said the restriction did not allow new executive members enough time to get experience before standing as officers (for example, treasurer or chair). Around half would have to stand down at November’s annual meeting.

But Tony Longworth, from Bury, warned: “There is a danger with voluntary bodies that the executive can become a self-perpetuating oligarchy. For executive to bring forward an amendment in its own interest to extend its own terms is a retrograde step.”

Delegates and executive members alike were no doubt hoping for better things in Birmingham; it has been a traumatic six months.

Internal wranglings over reforming the organisation - following proposed reductions in government funding - have already led to the resignations of three executive members, a no-confidence vote in chairwoman Chris Gale at last year’s annual meeting, and the severing of ties with founding member and former administrator Simon Goodenough.

Most delegates arrived wanting to debate educational issues. But the debacle overshadowed a speech from Alan Parker, president of the embryonic Confederation of Education Managers, and debate on the NGC’s latest strategic plan.

Key issues in the draft plan have already been acted upon, including an office move to Birmingham and the recruitment of a chief executive officer. Shortlisting is now taking place for this pound;40,000-a-year post, which should be filled in the summer.

Meanwhile, Terry Pearson has stood down as an NGC vice-chairman and director to act as temporary executive officer - a move cleared with the Charities Commission.

Other plans include helping set up governor associations in local education authorities that don’t yet have them (NGC currently represents associations in 75 out of 150 English LEAs); and improving services to members.

But several delegates criticised the strategic plan, which is short on detail on how the expansion is going to be paid for. Robin Richmond, from Warwickshire, said: “I wouldn’t be able to support this plan with the information contained in it at the moment.”

Chairwoman Chris Gale said the NGC was still negotiating its funding with the Department for Education and Skills, making it difficult to give figures. In the end, the meeting agreed to approve the plan in principle while looking forward to seeing more financial details between now and November.

The DFES plans to reduce funding over the next three years (by which time it will have exceeded pound;1 million), and is keen to see an independent NGC.

In a letter to the organisation, minister Cathy Ashton said: “Organisations work best when their prime financial relationship is with the customer they serve. Reliance on departmental funding weakens the relationship between the NGC and its customers.”

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