The role of the governance professional

All boards must have a governance professional (clerk). Find out who can be the clerk, and be clear on what the role involves so you can work with them effectively. Use our model role description if you’re recruiting.

Updated
on 12 April 2024
See updates
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 31885
Contents
  1. Your board’s governance professional
  2. Use our role description
  3. The rules on who can be your governance professional

Your board’s governance professional

Your governance professional (clerk) supports your board to be as effective as it can be. This is set out in section 4.8.1 of the governance guide for maintained schools and section 4.5.1 of the governance guide for academy trusts.

Have a solid understanding of governance Your governance professional will provide advice on legal and procedural matters and help your board remain compliant. They’ll: Keep your board up to date with changes you need to be aware of, like updates to guidance Know and understand: The key features of effective governance Your board’s governance structure and core functions Key national education policies The local education context your board operates in Understand your board’s: Legal duties, such as requirements around data protection and equalities Internal procedures, such as safeguarding procedures Code of conduct Strategic priorities, culture, value and ethos Understand your board’s accountability to and relationship with other bodies E.g. the DfE, Education and Skills Funding Agency and Ofsted Know which information about pupil performance