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 24 July 2023
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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 on page 64 of the Governance Handbook.

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 cons before

Read next

Also in "Appointment of governors & associate members"