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Questions to ask about staffing

Examples of questions governors and trustees might ask about staff policies, performance and wellbeing.

Guidance
05/01/2023
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Governing boards have significant responsibilities for staffing in their school or trust, either as the legal employer or having responsibilities under employment law conferred upon them.

Boards carry out their responsibilities primarily by ensuring that staff-related policies are in place, are compliant and are implemented effectively. Policies should promote a positive workplace culture which supports, develops and rewards staff as well as tackling issues such as workload.

Detailed oversight of staffing usually takes place in committees. Reports created and received by the committee, alongside their interactions with staff, should provide the governing board with the knowledge and insight it needs to question, challenge and make strategic decisions.

Our staffing questions are examples of the type governors and trustees might ask in full governing board meetings, committee meetings or on monitoring visits. The questions cover the following themes:

  • performance and pay
  • the working environment
  • staff development

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