Parent and staff surveys: governors' role

Last reviewed on 13 May 2022
School types: All · School phases: All
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Surveys can be an effective way to gather feedback from parents and staff, but there's a right and wrong way to do them. Read on to be sure you're on the right track.

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Contents

  1. Surveys can get parents and staff involved in decisions
  2. Decide whether a survey is the best option
  3. Keep your involvement strategic
  4. Staff surveys are generally carried out by the headteacher
  5. Parent survey examples
  6. Staff survey example

Surveys can get parents and staff involved in decisions

As a governing board, you need to have a full understanding of the views and needs of all stakeholders, including:

  • Pupils
  • Staff
  • Parents and carers
  • Local communities

You're expected to have mechanisms that enable you to listen, understand and respond to the voices of your stakeholders. This is according to pages 14 and 20 of the Governance Handbook. 

Parent and staff surveys can be an effective way of getting feedback on a variety of subjects.

For more ideas on how to listen to and communicate with stakeholders, see our article on tips to boost engagement with parents and other stakeholders. 

Decide whether a survey is the best option

Once you've decided you want parents' or staff feedback on something, discuss whether a survey is the most appropriate format. You need to be clear why you’re doing it and what value it will add.

Are you going to learn something you don’t

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