Running your PTA

When running a PTA, you’ re bound to encounter challenges – and that’ s where we can help. At Parentkind, we have a dedicated team of advisers, headed up by our PTA Community Manager, Clare. With 25 years of experience and a wealth of knowledge to share, she offers her straight-talking advice on your issues

I’ m the Chair, and one of my PTFA officers has just submitted an application to join the school governors. Is there a conflict of interest in being part of both the PTFA and the school governors?

While there may be a conflict of interest, this doesn’ t prevent them from sitting on both bodies. We would recommend adopting a robust conflict of interest policy and make sure all parties are aware of the separation of their duties. A model policy is available to download and adopt from our website: go. parentkind. org / conflictofinterest

We are being advised that, as our school is part of a Trust, we can no longer sell or have alcohol on site for any events – is this correct?

If you’ re using the school site for your events then you must adhere to their rules. If they do not allow alcohol on site, then you won’ t be able to override this. As a separate entity, you are able to hold events off-site and the Trust cannot impose their restrictions on these events. However, we would always advocate for a good working relationship with the school, so your committee should consider the impact of going ahead with events the Trust may not be happy with.

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