Code of conduct
Governance works because people trust each other to behave with integrity. This isn't a list of rules - it's a shared commitment to doing this role well, together.
How we work together
We ask all Trustees and Local Governors to:
- Respect the professional expertise of Trust leaders and all Trust staff
- Work in partnership with the Executive Team and school staff, always with pupils' best interests at heart
- Act collectively — support decisions made by the board even when you personally disagree, and raise concerns through the right channels
- Show up prepared and engaged, both individually and as part of the team
- Support the Trust's relationships with parents and the wider community
- Embrace learning — induction and ongoing development are part of the role, not optional extras
Meeting expectations
We ask all Trustees and Local Governors to:
Before meetings
- Read the agenda and papers so you can contribute fully
- Make a note of questions or points you want to raise
- Send apologies to the clerk as early as possible if you cannot attend
During meetings
- Speak up — your perspective matters
- Let others speak too — good governance is a conversation, not a monologue
- Declare any interests relevant to items on the agenda at the start of the meeting
After meetings
- Check the action log and follow up on anything you agreed to do
- If you disagree with anything recorded in the minutes, raise it with the Chair and clerk promptly
Confidentiality
What is discussed in the boardroom stays there. Meeting papers, discussions and decisions are confidential unless the board has agreed otherwise. This applies to school visits too — anything you observe or learn in your governance role should be treated with discretion. You should not name individual pupils or staff members in visit reports or share observations with anyone outside the board without permission.
Conflicts of interest
If you have a personal or professional interest in any matter being discussed, declare it at the start of the meeting. The clerk will advise on whether you should step back from that part of the discussion. When in doubt, declare.
The full Governance Code of Conduct is available to download on GovernorHub.
The full Governance Code of Conduct is available to download on GovernorHub.
