QuickRead: Link governors

Save time by reading our summary of the role and functions of link governors in just 1 page. Download a copy to share with your governing board.

Last reviewed on 24 June 2022
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 30723

A link governor is a member of the governing board appointed to oversee a specific aspect of the work of the school.

The Department for Education (DfE) says you should have:

  • A senior board level lead to take leadership responsibility for your school's/trust's safeguarding arrangements
  • A link governor or committee with oversight of special educational needs (SEN), and
  • A member of the board who takes a strategic interest in careers education and guidance, and encourages employer engagement (if your school provides secondary education)

Your board should also consider having a link governor with responsibility for governor training and development, who makes sure everyone has the right skills to contribute to the board. 

Otherwise, you can choose how you delegate duties and decide whether your board would benefit from link governors for other areas. 

How to assign link governor roles

Review your link governor roles at the beginning of each school year to make sure they're: