This article sets out the 3 core functions of governance for maintained school boards. If you're part of a single or multi-academy trust, see our other article on the 3 core purposes of trust governance.
The first core function: ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
The board's first core function is strategic leadership.
This involves:
- Setting the organisation’s overall strategic framework, including its vision and strategic priorities
- Being responsible for setting and modelling its culture, values and ethos
This is set out in section 1.1 of the maintained schools governance guide.
What do we mean by vision, ethos and strategic direction?
Vision: a statement that clearly states what your school aspires to
Ethos: the culture and character of your school. It includes:
- How people feel when they're there
- The shared beliefs you all hold
- The environment created in the school
Strategy: the specific actions you'll take to achieve your vision
The governing