Governing boards meet regularly to look at the big picture and the school’s long-term goals. They set the culture and values of the school, responding to opportunities and challenges. Governors work closely with the headteacher, supporting them and challenging them.

Governors typically serve at schools that are maintained by the local authority. They are responsible for:

• developing a vision and strategy for the school
• overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent
• holding the school leader to account to ensure that every pupil has the best possible education
• engaging with pupils, staff, parents and the school community to understand their views 

Activities can include:

• attending governing board meetings: these normally take place around six times a year and some may be held outside school hours
• looking at information and evidence on the school’s progress and discussing with school leaders 
• visiting the school to see plans working in practice, and listening to the views of staff, pupils and parents 
• selecting and appointing a headteacher following the resignation of the current headteacher
• making decisions about issues such as pupil exclusions and staff disciplinary matters
• undertaking induction training and ongoing development