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Equality, diversity & inclusion

Governing board diversity indicators form

Designed to help boards gather data on their membership and use this as a basis for discussion and action.

Guidance
28/05/2025

Our diversity indicators form is designed to help boards gather data on their membership and use this as a basis for discussion and action, which could include:

  • targeted recruitment to address gaps in experience and diversity
  • developing and adapting board practices to ensure full participation
  • prioritising training and awareness-raising in identified areas
  • addressing potential ‘blind spots’ through seeking wider advice and perspectives on current and upcoming opportunities, challenges and risk

The form can be adapted and used by boards in all types of school. It should be circulated to all board members and the responses evaluated by either or a combination of the chair, the governance professional and the executive leader.

The form includes questions that cover:

  • protected characteristics (gender, age, ethnicity and so on)
  • experiences of education and the care system
  • proximity to the school(s)
  • experience of school as a parent or carer

It is designed to maintain the confidentiality of individuals.

Publishing diversity data

Although publishing diversity data is not a requirement, it is encouraged. There is no prescriptive way to collect diversity data from volunteers.

Not all diversity information will be relevant to publish – as a starting point, we recommend boards report on the age, gender and ethnicity of their membership, although other data may be relevant depending on the characteristics of your local community. Alternatively, you may wish to publish a statement to confirm that you are collecting this information and explain how you plan to use it. Where data is published, information should be widely accessible to members of the school/trust community and the public.

Diversity indicators form

MS Word download

Guide to collate and report responses

MS Word download

Guidance

Recruiting governors and trustees

Finding new volunteers is not always an easy task and recruiting from underrepresented groups can be particularly challenging.

Use our guidance to help attract new volunteers, run a successful recruitment process, create a diverse board, induct and retain volunteers.

View recruitment guidance
training woman talking to a small group

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