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Visible governance

The case for governance

Sustainability and resilience in education

Research
27/01/2026

There is a striking contrast between how governance is understood in education and how it is treated across many other sectors. In financial services, healthcare, charities and FTSE companies, governance sits firmly at the heart of organisational life. It is routinely invested in and respected as a critical leadership function that is fundamental to aligning resources and ambition.

To date, education has too often maintained an ambiguous relationship with governance, viewed as insurance and as secondary rather than central to organisational life.

This report sets out a clear and compelling case for governance as a foundational pillar of a sustainable, resilient and high-performing education system. At its best, governance provides strategic leadership, local accountability and continuous oversight that no other part of the system can replicate. At a time of growing complexity, financial pressure and system reform, the contribution of governance has never been more important.

The case for governance report

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Recommendations

To realise the full potential of governance, the report sets out clear recommendations for action:

For government and policymakers

  • Formally recognise governance as a core component of the national accountability framework.
  • Invest in governance training, development and research, including governance impact assessments for new policy.
  • Align inspection, leadership development and system reform with a clear understanding of governance’s strategic role.

For schools and trusts

  • Treat governance as an overarching strategic priority, ensuring it is adequately resourced and visible.
  • Commit to regular external reviews and internal self-evaluation of governance.
  • Strengthen succession planning and invest in the governance professional role.

For sector bodies and partners

  • Develop a shared narrative that positions governance as a strand of system leadership.
  • Promote cross-sector learning and increase awareness of governance’s contribution and potential.

  • “In recent years, it has been promising to see some examples of governance within schools and trusts held up as cross-sector best practice. The challenge now is to be more explicit and confident in making that case – and to develop a system-wide understanding of governance as something to be acknowledged, celebrated, scrutinised, invested in, and kept firmly on the agenda.”

    Emma Balchin

    Chief Executive

    National Governance Association

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