QuickRead: Health and safety - governors' role

Read our 1-page summary of your duties in relation to health and safety. Download a copy to share with your colleagues.

Last reviewed on 27 June 2022
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 30896

Responsibilities as an employer

Legally, the governing board has responsibility for health and safety in:

  • Voluntary-aided schools
  • Foundation and foundation special schools
  • Academies
  • Free schools
  • Independent schools

The local authority (LA) is the employer in community and community special schools, voluntary-controlled schools, maintained nursery schools and pupil referral units (PRUs). You should follow any direction from them, but they’re likely to delegate responsibility to your board.

As the employer, your duties include to:

You'll likely delegate these operational tasks to