Governance basics glossary
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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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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