School Governors play a critical but often unseen role in ensuring that educational environments remain safe, legally compliant, and well governed. National School Governor’s Awareness Day reminds us to acknowledge their essential contribution to maintaining safe, effective, and well‑led schools.
Governors are responsible for scrutinising key areas of organisational safety and compliance, including:
- Reviewing accident, incident, and near‑miss data to identify trends and required improvements.
- Confirming that statutory risk assessments (fire, general health and safety, curriculum‑specific, site‑specific) are current and effective.
- Ensuring that compliance checks (fire alarms, emergency lighting, portable appliance testing, legionella monitoring, water system inspections, asbestos management actions) are completed and recorded in line with legal expectations.
- Conducting termly monitoring visits, including walking the site to maintain a direct understanding of operational conditions.
- Verifying that all staff complete mandatory training required for safe practice, safeguarding compliance, and role‑specific duties.
Governor oversight directly contributes to:
- Ensuring that health, safety, and safeguarding remain non‑negotiable leadership priorities.
- Maintaining a well‑managed, legally compliant, and safe environment for pupils, staff, contractors, and visitors.
- Strengthening accountable, transparent governance through regular review and challenge.
- Supporting senior leaders to sustain a positive safety culture across the school community.
Further Information:
- School Site Health and Safety Inspection Checklist for Governors
- Health and Safety Governors Article
- Health and Safety Responsibilities and Powers document
- Health and Safety for Governors and Trustees Training | Support Services for Education
- Education Governance Services Website | Support Services for Education
