Constitution & membership

Understand the different categories of trustee and how each one is appointed. Find out the rules for co-opted, foundation/sponsor-appointed and parent trustees, as well as staff and associate members, and directors in church academy trusts.

Understand the different categories of governor and how each one is appointed. Find out the rules for co-opted, foundation, local authority, parent and staff governors, as well as associate members.

Be clear on the rules for appointing staff members who aren't 'staff governors' to your board. Consider the pros and cons of co-opting staff members, to make sure you don't miss out on talent and skills.

The governing board can't stop a parent or staff governor candidate from standing in an election. Read guidance on how you can get the right candidate for the role, and under what circumstances elected governors can be removed.

Be clear on the rules surrounding elections and what different voting systems you can use. Understand how to make sure voting is secure and confidential, and see examples from schools and trusts.

If you're the chair or clerk, follow this process to make sure you carry out parent governor/trustee elections efficiently, and in line with the rules.

Know what will disqualify a governor or trustee from serving on your board and use our template declaration of eligibility form to confirm that all your board members are qualified.

The governing boards of maintained schools must be made up of specific types of governors. Understand what all of the different categories of governors are and the roles they play in school governance.

If you're a maintained school, you're required to have a local authority governor on your board. Find out what an LA governor is, how they're appointed and the restrictions on who can fill the role.

As a governor, the personal data you send over email must be kept secure. Use a secure school email address to help you meet UK GDPR requirements, and see our other tips on keeping data secure.

Boards need a way to communicate in between meetings. Understand the rules and what's appropriate when conducting governing/trust board business.

You have the right to take 'reasonable' time off work to carry out your governor duties. Find out what the rules are, if your profession is exempt, and what to do if you're having problems with your employer.

You can appoint people who aren't governors or trustees to sit on committees and attend meetings. Understand who's eligible to be an associate member or serve as a non-trustee on a committee, and what their rights are.

Understand the role of a co-opted governor/trustee. Find guidance on who's eligible to be appointed, and what their voting rights and restrictions are.

Learn how to separate your role as a governor or trustee from your role as a parent, so you can manage your relationship with other parents and do your job well.