School governors are the largest volunteer force in the country and are there to ensure that schools are well run. They have an important part to play in raising school standards by working with the Head and senior leadership team to ensure pupils get a good education. Governors represent people from many walks of life: school staff, parents, and the local community. This means that school decisions are made by people with a wide range of experience and views.

Governors are appointed and elected to provide:

• Strong links between the school and the community it serves
• A wide experience of the outside world • an independent view
• A visible form of accountability for the Head and staff of the school
• A team focusing on long term development and improvement
• Accountability to the community for the standards of teaching and learning in the school
• Support for the Head and staff

• Duties are carried out as part of the team
• Governors are not legally liable as individuals

• To make decisions collectively on matters such as performance, delegated school policies and the relevant aspects of school’s strategic plan
• For governors to monitor the impact that the school’s policies have on pupil outcomes
• To report to parents on the school’s achievements and respond to inspection recommendations
• To be involved in hearing appeals from pupils and staff and consider complaints
• To appoint, challenge and support the Head, drawing on their knowledge and experience