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Ofsted inspection: role of link governors and trustees

Ofsted inspectors won't formally assess your role as a link governor or trustee. If you do speak to them, here's how you can demonstrate that you're effectively monitoring your school or trust.

Last reviewed on 26 November 2025See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 4035
Contents
  1. Inspectors will want to meet as many governors or trustees as possible
  2. Know the evaluation areas that apply to your link role
  3. Be ready to explain how you monitor your area
  4. More resources for link governors

Inspectors will want to meet as many governors or trustees as possible

Inspectors will meet with 'those responsible for governance' in your school. This means:

  • Maintained schools: the board of governors
  • Academies: the board of trustees 
    • Inspectors will take into account your school's context and trust's scheme of delegation in deciding who to meet. They won't meet with local governing boards (LGBs) unless they hold responsibility for any of the evaluation areas

The meeting may be virtual, if necessary – for example, a video or phone call.

Link governors aren't mentioned directly in the 2025 inspection framework or any of the inspection documents. However, the work you carry out in your link roles, and your knowledge of the areas you monitor, will be one of the ways you can demonstrate your board's work.

How your board carries out its functions, particularly in shaping and supporting the school's vision,