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Appointing staff members as co-opted governors

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.

Last reviewed on 2 September 2024See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 4660
Contents
  1. Maintained governing boards can co-opt a staff member as a governor 
  2. Consider the pros and cons
  3. What to do if the proportion rises above a third
  4. You can also appoint a staff member as an associate member

Maintained governing boards can co-opt a staff member as a governor 

You can appoint as many co-opted governors as you consider necessary and are allowed by your instrument of government. 

This means that school staff can be co-opted governors. However, the number of governors who are employed at the school (this includes the staff governor and the headteacher) must not exceed one-third of the total membership of the board.

This is set out in section 5.2 of the maintained schools governance guide.

Find out how to change a governor's category in our other article.

Consider the pros and cons

However, there are also drawbacks to having staff members on your board. Consider the pros and