Governors are one of the largest volunteer forces in the country and have an important part to play in raising school standards. The role of the governing board is absolutely key to the effectiveness of a school. 

Role of a school governor  

To contribute to the work of the governing board in ensuring high standards of achievement for all children and young people in the school by:   

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
• Holding leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the performance management of staff 
• Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent  

Decisions are the joint responsibility of the governing board.

The role of the governing board is a strategic one, its key functions are to: 

• set the aims and objectives for the school
• set the policies for achieving those aims and objectives
• set the targets for achieving those aims and objectives
• monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives
• be a source of challenge and support to the headteacher (a critical friend)