School Governors

Main Details

School governors form the largest volunteer group in the country. They are people from all walks of life, who care about children's education and are prepared to work as a team to support their school and local community.

More than 9,000 people volunteer to be governors in Lancashire, bringing to their role experience of everyday life and a wish to help children and schools. They support schools in raising standards, by determining the conduct and direction of the school.

Effective governors do not need educational expertise but do need to be committed to their school, willing to ask questions and act as a critical friend. They also need to be able to work as an enthusiastic member of the governing body team. The headteacher works closely with the governing body as its principal professional advisor.  Governing body policy decisions will then be implemented by the headteacher in the day-to-day running of the school.

They will be supported by other governors on the governing body as well as by  Lancashire County Council, through the Governor Services Team.  In Lancashire we have always valued the contribution of governors and we have sought to support governing bodies by providing a wide range of services including clerking, training and information. Seminars on a variety of topics are provided throughout Lancashire. Governors also receive a termly copy of "The Lancashire Governor" to keep them up-to-date on current issues.

Existing Lancashire governors also have access to the Schools' Portal where they can view school specific information related to their governance duties and responsibilities.

There are different categories of governor, and the method of appointment or election depends on the category.

• Parent Governors
• Staff Governors
• Authority Governors
• Community Governors
• Sponsor Governors
• Foundation Governors
• Partnership Governors

Some people cannot become governors. The general restrictions are listed in the document Disqualification from Holding a Governorship.

Please see the FAQs tab and Related Links for further information.