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Policies & procedures

Virtual governance

Use our example protocol to set ground rules for conducting virtual meetings.

Model policies
16/03/2026
training woman on a video call with six others

Virtual governance has become an established practice on governing boards, with many regularly holding meetings and undertaking governing activities remotely that would otherwise be carried out in-person. These include:

  • virtual or hybrid board/committee meetings
  • virtual school visits and meetings with staff

There are many potential benefits to virtual governance such as improved attendance, greater flexibility, reduced time demanded of governors/trustees, and the opportunity to recruit from further afield. However, an overreliance on remote governance can negatively impact working relationships and the board's connection with the school community.

It is for each board to decide the best format for different types of meetings and interactions to maintain effective governance. This is likely to involve a mix of virtual and in-person activities.

Governing boards should confirm their arrangements for participating and voting in virtual meetings and agree to a protocol or set of ground rules to cover virtual meeting practices. Our model virtual meeting protocol can be used and adapted as needed for this purpose.

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