What’s Involved?

Find out more about the responsibilities and requirements of being a governor below. If you’re ready to take on this important role, we’d love to hear from you.

Ready to Get Involved?

AGBIS offers its member schools access to a list of individuals who have expressed a genuine interest in becoming governors. If you would like to be added to this list, please complete our Statement of Interest Form below:

Express your interest here

Your details will be shared with AGBIS member schools who are looking to recruit governors with your background, experience, and enthusiasm.

 

What It Means to Be a Governor of an Independent School

Most independent schools are both registered charities and companies limited by guarantee. As such, their governors typically serve dual roles as trustees of the charity and directors of the company.

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Governors play a vital role in ensuring the success, sustainability, and integrity of their school. Their main responsibilities include:

  • Upholding the School’s Mission
    Support and promote the school’s aims and ensure they are being fulfilled.

  • Strategic Direction
    Determine the overall direction and development of the school through good governance and effective planning.

  • School Promotion
    Promote and develop the school to ensure continued relevance, growth and success.

  • Support and Challenge
    Provide constructive support and critical challenge to the Head and senior leadership team.

  • Legal and Regulatory Compliance
    Ensure the school operates within legal frameworks and in accordance with its governing documents.

  • Acting in the School’s Best Interests
    Always put the school, its current and future beneficiaries, first.

  • Financial Oversight
    Safeguard the school’s financial health through sound budgeting, resource use and investment oversight.

  • Senior Appointments and Monitoring
    Appoint the Head and Bursar and monitor the effectiveness of senior leaders.

  • Confidentiality and Integrity
    Maintain discretion regarding sensitive information and adhere to the school’s conflicts of interest policy.

  • Contributing Expertise
    Bring your professional knowledge and life experience to discussions and decisions.

Desired Skills and Experience

Each governing body will seek specific skills based on its strategic needs. However, these areas are often particularly valuable:

  • Commercial or corporate leadership

  • Business or financial management

  • Accountancy

  • Legal expertise

  • Property (e.g. architecture, surveying)

  • Education (e.g. current or former Heads, Bursars, senior educators)

  • Higher education leadership

  • Human resources

  • Medical or pastoral care

  • Religious or ethical insight

Beyond technical skills, governors should be individuals of sound judgment, integrity and a genuine interest in education.

Time Commitment

Being a governor requires dedication. Governors should:

  • Attend meetings and school events regularly

  • Set aside time to visit the school during working hours

  • Review reports and background materials in advance of meetings

  • Participate in relevant training sessions and seminars

 

A Rewarding Role

Serving as a governor of an independent school is not only a responsibility - it is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the life of a school community.

Express your interest here