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Governance is essential, not optional: NGA launches new report

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28/01/2026

The National Governance Association has launched a major new report, The Case for Governance, setting out why governance must be treated as essential system infrastructure rather than an optional extra within the education system.

Published during NGA’s 20th anniversary year, the report argues that governance is one of the system’s most powerful levers for stability, accountability and long-term improvement, yet remains consistently under-recognised and under-supported. Drawing on evidence from education and other sectors, it makes the case for governance to be understood as a distinct form of leadership, not simply a technical or compliance function.

Why this matters now

Schools and trusts are operating under sustained financial pressure, workforce instability and increasing system centralisation. In this context, The Case for Governance highlights the unique role of governing boards in providing continuous, localised oversight and accountability.

While inspection and intervention are necessarily episodic, governing boards offer sustained challenge, scrutiny and strategic leadership over time. Where governance is strong, organisations are more resilient, more confident in decision-making and better able to manage risk and sustain improvement.

Emma Balchin, NGA Chief Executive, said:

“The challenge now is to be more explicit and confident in making the case for governance – and to develop a system-wide understanding of governance as something to be acknowledged, invested in and kept firmly on the agenda.”

What the report calls for

The report calls on government and policymakers to formally recognise governance as a core part of the national accountability framework, invest in governance development, and align inspection and system reform with a clear understanding of governance’s strategic role.

It also urges schools and trusts to treat governance as a strategic priority, commit to regular review and self-evaluation, strengthen succession planning, and invest in the governance professional role.

The Case for Governance was launched at an NGA event at EdCity, London, on 27 January 2026.

The case for governance

Sustainability and resilience in education

Read the full report

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