A trustee week thank you from Georgia Gould OBE MP
To mark Trustees’ Week, Minister for School Standards Georgia Gould OBE MP has shared a message of gratitude to trustees and governors across the country. In her letter, she reflects on the vital contribution of governance to children’s education, the government’s commitment to supporting boards, and new resources designed to strengthen and simplify governance practice.
As we mark Trustees’ Week, I want to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to your boards, and to each and every trustee and governor, for your unwavering commitment to school and trust governance. Your dedication plays a vital role in shaping the futures of children across the country.
Having previously served as a school governor myself, I know first-hand the time, care, and commitment that you bring to the role. It is often a quiet kind of leadership, but its impact is profound. Your leadership and expertise are essential in driving continuous improvement, supporting school leaders, and ensuring that every child achieves and thrives. For that, you deserve our deepest gratitude. Trustees’ Week provides the chance to recognise the enormous impact you have on pupils across the country.
Strong and effective governance is at the heart of our education system, and Trustees’ Week offers an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow trustees and governors, to support one another, and to share experiences and best practice.
The government remains firmly committed to supporting strong governance. We have been seeking ways to make your roles easier to navigate, more focussed and time effective, as well as increasing visibility of the important work you do, to improve recruitment.
In September 2025, we published a new resource to support governing boards. Effective governance resources were developed in collaboration with governance sector experts, bringing together best practice, advice and guidance into one accessible place to support trustees, governors and governance professionals to strengthen governance practices and make governance more impactful.
Your contribution to education is invaluable. Thank you again for your tireless work, your leadership, and your commitment to helping children achieve and thrive.
With sincere appreciation,
Georgia Gould OBE MP
Minister for School Standards
Emma Balchin, NGA Chief Executive, said:“NGA want to echo the minister’s thanks to all trustees and governors for your often unseen commitment, which plays a crucial role in strengthening your trust’s culture, supporting staff wellbeing, and ensuring high-quality education and improved outcomes for children and young people.
We are especially grateful for your courage in asking the right questions, providing thoughtful and empathetic challenges, and upholding the highest ethical standards. Your dedication to inclusive, values-led governance and your engagement with stakeholders across communities ensures that every decision you make has a lasting and positive impact on the schools and trusts you serve.”