What governance is here to do

Good governance gives schools the conditions they need to thrive. It provides strategic leadership, honest accountability and sound financial oversight — not from inside the school, but from a group of committed people looking at the bigger picture.

Every governing board in the Trust, whether the Trust Board or a Local Governing Body, exists to do three things:

ONE

Set and champion vision and direction

You help define where the school or Trust is going and why. You protect the values that underpin everything. This isn't about managing the school day to day - it's about making sure the school knows what it stands for and where it's headed.

TWO

Hold leaders to account

You ask the questions that need to be asked. You look at the data, listen to leaders, and satisfy yourself that pupils are making progress, staff are well supported, and the school is delivering on its promises. This is scrutiny done with care, not suspicion.

THREE

Make sure money is well sent

You oversee budgets and financial decisions, ensuring that resources are directed where they will have the most impact for pupils.

What makes governance work well

The best governance shares six qualities:

Strategic leadership — setting and championing vision, ethos and strategy
Accountability — driving up educational standards and financial performance
The right people — with the skills, experience, qualities and capacity to contribute
Clear structures — with well-defined roles and responsibilities
Compliance — meeting statutory and contractual requirements
Self-evaluation — regularly reviewing and improving governance itself

The Nolan Principles

Everyone who serves in public life — including school governors — is expected to uphold the seven principles of public life, known as the Nolan Principles. They are a useful touchstone for any decision you face in your role.

Selflessness — Act in the public interest, not for personal gain.

‍Integrity — Don't let outside obligations influence your judgement.

‍Objectivity — Make decisions on merit.

‍Accountability — Accept scrutiny of your decisions and actions.

‍Openness — Be transparent. Give reasons. Only restrict information when you genuinely need to.

‍Honesty — Declare conflicts of interest and resolve them openly.

‍Leadership — Model these principles for others.

The Governance handbook

Why Governance Matters