Vision, ethos and strategic direction

Learn about the three core functions of governing boards.

Course summary

Governing boards have three important core functions. These are explained at the start of the Department for Education (DfE) Governance Handbook.

  1. Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
  2. Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the performance management of staff
  3. Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent