Every Warwickshire school has a governing board that plays a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of the school. Governors act as representatives of the public, working closely with the headteacher to raise standards and improve outcomes for all pupils.
Key responsibilities
Governing boards operate within a legal framework and must act as a corporate body, making decisions collectively. While they have flexibility in how they carry out their duties, they are expected to act with integrity, objectivity, and honesty, always in the best interests of the school.
The Department for Education (DfE) Governance Guide, explains that the 3-core functions of the governing board include, but are not limited to ensuring:
- That the vision, ethos, and strategic direction of the school are clearly defined
- That the headteacher / executive leader performs their responsibilities for the educational performance of the school
- The sound, proper and effective use of the school’s financial resources
Strategic oversight, not day-to-day management
Governors support and challenge the headteacher and staff, monitor progress against school priorities, and are accountable to stakeholders for the school’s performance. However, they do not manage the school on a daily basis.
The headteacher is responsible for the internal organisation, management, and control of the school, and for implementing the strategic framework set by the governing board. They propose aims, policies, and plans for the board to consider.
Governor involvement
Governors are expected to:
- Visit the school to understand its environment and operations
- Attend Full Governing Board and Committee Meetings
- Read papers in advance and actively participate in discussions
- Take on specific roles, such as link governor for areas like SEN or Health and Safety
- Undertake training, either online or through sessions provided by Warwickshire Governor Services
No single governor is expected to know everything. The strength of the board lies in its diversity of experience and collaborative decision-making.
What skills do you need?
Effective governors bring a mix of personal qualities and professional skills. You should:
- Be committed to improving education for all young people
- Have time to prepare for and attend meetings and school visits
- Act with fairness, diplomacy, and integrity
- Work well in a team and communicate effectively
- Be able to analyse, question, and make informed decisions
- Maintain confidentiality and honesty
- Engage in ongoing training and development
While life experience is valuable, boards may also seek governors with expertise in areas like finance, HR, or business.
How much time is involved?
Being a governor requires a regular time commitment, including:
- Attending governing board and committee meetings
- Preparing by reading documents and formulating questions
- Visiting the school
- Participating in special projects and staff recruitment
- Joining panels (e.g. complaints, attendance)
- Reviewing policies and budgets
What support is available?
Warwickshire Governor Services offer dedicated and experienced specialist support to all Governors, Governance Professionals and Headteachers to ensure governing boards meet their statutory duties and fulfil their key roles and responsibilities.
Alongside their statutory responsibilities, Governing Boards have the option to purchase a Governor Services subscription, which may include:
- Access to an annual programme of training sessions and briefings
- Bespoke training sessions and briefings
- Advice on governance legislation/procedure and general advice and support
- A termly Governance Matters newsletter
- Access to a comprehensive document library
- Advice on governance legislation/procedure and general advice and support
Why should I become a school governor?
These are just a few reasons to consider the role:
- Make a positive impact on children’s education and life chances
- Gain a sense of purpose and contribute to your community
- Develop new and transferable skills
- Build connections with others and expand your network
- Experience the reward of giving back