LeadersSafeguardingCPDGovernorHubKeyGPT

Inclusion: role of the link governor

Be clear on your role as the link governor for inclusion, and find examples of questions you can ask to challenge and support your school leaders.

Updated
on 28 September 2026See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 5300
Contents
  1. Your role 
  2. How to monitor inclusion
  3. Ask questions to help you monitor inclusion

Your role 

As a link governor for inclusion, you'll monitor plans and policies linked to inclusion and check these are being well implemented across the school. (Note: your role might have a different title depending on your context, such as the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) link governor, or the vulnerable groups link governor.)

You'll need to challenge school leaders, to make sure your school is inclusive to:

  • All pupils – especially those from key inclusion groups (see more on this below)
  • Staff
  • Parents and carers
  • The wider community

Depending on how your board organises inclusion-related roles, you may also have oversight of SEND, or sit on an inclusion committee alongside the link governor for SEND. If your school is part of a multi-academy trust (MAT), your role may also connect to a trust-level committee or designated trustee with oversight of inclusion (including SEND). 

It's important the whole board understands what inclusion means for