Maternity leave for governors and trustees

Understand best practice when handling governor maternity leave or paternity, parental or adoption leave. Make sure you know how to avoid discrimination, and how you can fill any skill gaps on your board.

Last reviewed on 28 February 2023
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 40229
Contents
  1. Pregnancy is a protected characteristic
  2. No clear-cut rules
  3. Keep in touch 
  4. Consider how you'll fill any skill gaps

We asked Forbes Solicitors for their legal advice on the information in this article.  

Pregnancy is a protected characteristic

Under the Equality Act 2010 (see sections 17 and 18) you can't discriminate against someone who is pregnant or on maternity leave. This includes people who provide services and carry out public functions, such as school governors. 

Your board must not treat a governor less favourably because they're pregnant or have given birth. 

No clear-cut rules

As governors are volunteers, their legal status isn’t explicit. There are no hard and fast rules for a governor who wants to take maternity leave. The same goes for paternity, parental or adoption leave, which we cover in more detail below. 

The most important thing is for a board to avoid discrimination. 

Make your own arrangements for maternity leave 

Start by having a conversation with the governor to discuss if they want to take maternity leave or not.