Governance basics glossary

Last reviewed on 29 September 2022
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 41542

The key governance terms you'll encounter, including roles on the board, school types, meeting procedures and key documents. Plus, a downloadable version to share with new governors.

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tick-icon Maintained schools Academies
Maintained schools
Academies

Contents

  1. Governance roles
  2. Types of school
  3. Governance structures
  4. Meeting procedures
  5. Key documents
  6. Downloadable version

Not sure who everyone is in your school? Use our handy cheat sheet to help you get to grips with all the roles in your school.

Governance roles

Term Definition
Associate members Appointed to a committee for their expertise in a particular area. They are not considered governors. They can serve on committees, where they have full voting rights. They can attend full governing board meetings, but can't vote at them. 
Clerk Employed to provide effective administration of meetings, such as circulating meeting agendas and taking minutes. Advises the governing board on governance procedures and good practice.
Chair The governor elected to lead the governing board's work, chair meetings and work closely with the headteacher. 
Link governor A member of the governing board that is appointed to monitor a specific aspect of the school's work. 
Vice-chair Deputises for the chair when they're absent.

Maintained schools Schools maintained and funded by local authorities. They follow the National Curriculum and rules on teacher pay and conditions. There

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