Know More about Roles and Functions of IMC Managers

As stipulated in section 40AD of the Education Ordinance, when an IMC has been established in respect of a school, the school shall, subject to section 40AE, be managed by the IMC.

For details about the functions of an IMC, please visit the following webpage.

Section 40AE(2) of the Education Ordinance stipulates that the IMC of a school shall be responsible for-
(a) formulating education policies of the school in accordance with the vision and mission set by the sponsoring body;
(b) planning and managing financial and human resources available to the school;
(c) accounting to the Permanent Secretary and the sponsoring body for the performance of the school;
(d) ensuring that the mission of the school is carried out;
(e) ensuring that the education of the pupils of the school is promoted in a proper manner; and
(f) school planning and self-improvement of the school.

Section 40AE(1)(d) of the Education Ordinance stipulates that the sponsoring body of a school shall be responsible for deciding the mode of receiving government aid. As such, an IMC manager is not responsible for such decision.

Section 40AF(2)(c) of the Education Ordinance stipulates that an IMC of a school may engage the service of such professionals or other persons as it thinks fit and determine their remuneration.

As for other powers of an IMC, please refer to section 40AF(2) of the Education Ordinance.

Section 40AF(2)(e) of the Education Ordinance stipulates that an IMC of a school may handle funds and assets received from the Government in the capacity of a trustee.

As for other powers of an IMC, please refer to section 40AF(2) of the Education Ordinance.

In personnel management, IMC managers should formulate and regularly review the personnel management policies (including appointment, promotion, dismissal, performance management and professional development) in order to build an effective team and enhance teaching and learning efficacy. IMC managers should also establish effective communication channels and complaint handling mechanisms for creating a harmonious and inclusive ambience.

The specific tasks pertinent to recruitment, such as placing recruitment advertisements, contacting job applicants and arranging interviews, are to be taken care of by the school personnel.

For details, please refer to paragraph 3.3.1 of Section 3 of the School Managers’ Handbook.

In financial management, there are two major roles and functions for the managers in an IMC, namely steering and monitoring. Building on the strength of the existing organisational structure of the school, the IMC should put in force relevant mechanism(s) with the participation of the IMC managers that play the steering and monitoring functions/roles in an efficient and effective manner. In this connection, the IMC should ensure the effective performance of the school in relation to the School Development Plan, Annual School Plan and annual budgets. The IMC should also ensure the reporting of the updated financial situation to the IMC; and set up and subsequently review the mechanism for budget variations/review to monitor the budgets and budgetary control (for example, proper approving levels for any deviation in the budget).

For details, please refer to paragraphs 2.2.3 and 2.2.4 of “Guide to Financial Management for Aided Schools Operated by Incorporated Management Committees”.

An IMC manager should ensure the provision of a coherent, flexible, broad and balanced curriculum that is in line with the aims of education in Hong Kong. IMC managers should also review school policies in light of the school’s curriculum development to create a conducive learning environment for students.

For details, please refer to paragraph 3.2 of Section 3 of the School Managers’ Handbook.

An IMC manager plays a leading role in setting the targets of the school-based curriculum and building a framework for its implementation and evaluation. IMC managers should advise on curriculum, instructional and assessment plans; and monitor the progress of curriculum development and evaluate its effectiveness. IMC managers should also support and monitor professional development of teachers and nurture their curriculum and instructional leadership. As for the day-to-day contact with parents and the provision of additional learning materials to students with poor performance, they should be followed up by the teaching staff.

For details, please refer to paragraph 3.2 of Section 3 of the School Managers’ Handbook.

Section 40AS(1) stipulates that an alternate manager shall for all purposes be regarded as a manager subject to section 40AS. In this connection, alternate managers of an IMC should perform all functions as expected of managers, such as attending all IMC meetings, participating in discussions, proposing agenda items and speaking on the items. However, voting right, ascertaining the majority of the managers of a school and establishing a quorum of a meeting are subject to the relevant provisions of the Education Ordinance.

For details, please refer to sections 40AS(2) to 40AS(6) of the Education Ordinance.

Managers are responsible for governing the school with a view to promoting quality education and improving the learning outcomes of pupils. They should steer the school for continuous development and observe the code of ethics. They should adopt an open attitude and be accountable for all the decisions and actions that they take. However, they should not allow bias, conflict of interest or undue influence of others to override their judgments and disclose any classified or proprietary information of school to anybody.

For details, please refer to “Guidance Notes on Establishing the Code of Ethics for Managers of IMC”.

Section 40BF(2) of the Education Ordinance stipulates that a manager who made a declaration shall make to the IMC another written declaration which states the change within one month after the change occurs in any matter stated in the declaration.

As for other provisions about declaration or disclosure of personal interests, please refer to sections 40BF and 40BG of the Education Ordinance.

Section 40BI(2) of the Education Ordinance stipulates that an IMC manager shall not incur any civil liability in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by him in good faith in the performance or purported performance of any function of his office as the manager.

In addition, the Education Bureau has taken out the Incorporated Management Committee Liability Insurance Policy to indemnify the liability of IMCs of aided and caput schools. The insurance covers (i) management liability; (ii) vicarious educator liability; and (iii) employment practices liability.

For details about rights and liability of manager and protection, please refer to section 40BI of the Education Ordinance.

For details about the Incorporated Management Committee Liability Insurance Policy, please visit the following webpage.