How to get a head start in your new role
Last updated:New Governor Checklist
The first few months in your role are an important opportunity to build your knowledge, understand your board's priorities and establish positive relationships with school leaders and fellow governors.
The checklist below will help you get off to a strong start.
Within Your First Few Weeks
Provide your Governance Professional (Clerk) with the information required for your appointment and publication on the Get Information About Schools (GIAS) database. The school is legally required to keep governor details up to date.
Complete all appointment paperwork and ensure your DBS check has been processed in accordance with the school's safer recruitment procedures.
Read and sign your governing board's Code of Conduct.
Complete your Declaration of Interests and ensure it is updated whenever circumstances change.
Essential Reading
Read Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), with particular attention to Part 2, which sets out governing board responsibilities for safeguarding.
Familiarise yourself with:
- the school's safeguarding policy
- the school's behaviour policy
- the school's most recent Ofsted report
- the School Development Plan (or equivalent improvement plan)
- recent governing board minutes
Training and Development
Attend New Governor Induction: Being a Governor in Buckinghamshire on 15 September 2026.
Attend Understanding Governance: What Good Strategic Governance Looks Like in Buckinghamshire on 17 November 2026 or 9 February 2027.
Complete Safeguarding in Schools in Buckinghamshire - An Introduction for Governors on 29 September 2026, 2 March 2027 or 18 May 2027.
Ask whether your governing board uses a Governor Skills Audit and complete this if requested.
Building Your Knowledge of the School
Arrange an introductory meeting with the Chair of Governors.
Meet the Headteacher and discuss the school's priorities, strengths and areas for development.
Take a tour of the school to see its provision and learn more about the pupils and community it serves.
Make sure all governing board and committee meeting dates are in your diary and allow sufficient time to read papers before meetings.
Need Support?
The Buckinghamshire School Governance Team is here to support governors throughout their governance journey.
📧 schoolgovernance@buckinghamshire.gov.uk
Thank you for volunteering your time and expertise to support education in Buckinghamshire. Your contribution helps governing boards provide effective strategic leadership and improve outcomes for children and young people across the county.