Job descriptions: guidance and checklist

Understand your role in supporting leaders with reviewing staff job descriptions. Use our guidance to be clear on what a good job description looks like, and use our checklist to help you when you're reviewing them.

Last reviewed on 28 August 2025
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 45197
Contents
  1. The governing board doesn't write job descriptions
  2. Job descriptions explain roles and responsibilities 
  3. Job descriptions keep staff on track 
  4. Job descriptions should be regularly reviewed
  5. Use our checklist to help you review job descriptions

The governing board doesn't write job descriptions

You're not expected to write staff job descriptions.

However, it's important to be clear on what to look for in a job description, because there might be times when you and your school/trust leaders need to review them (explained below).

Be clear on what you need to do to review your headteacher's/CEO's job description in our other article.

Job descriptions explain roles and responsibilities 

They can set a clear understanding of what’s expected of a new staff member – making it easier throughout their employment for them to fulfil their role, and for your school/trust to hold them to account.

Job descriptions should be concise and to the point

A clear job title A brief summary of the role: the purpose, duties and responsibilities (including safeguarding and health and safety responsibilities, and attendance and behaviour responsibilities, if relevant)  The reporting structure: e.g. who