Governor Resources - Council of British International Schools

While the Head leads and manages the school from day to day, a properly constituted and effective Board of Governors plays an essential role in a successful school.

Governance structures for British international schools are very diverse – in terms of size, structure, make-up, organisation, etc. There is no one perfect solution; each must serve the needs of its school, provide critical friendship to the school’s leadership, and work to support students and the strategic direction of the school.

This page sets out a range of resources, training and support for international school governors, boards, and schools. While there is some reference to the Governance standards (4A-4F) within COBIS Patron’s Accreditation and Compliance, the resources on this page are intended to support any international school, regardless of the accreditation or quality assurance scheme they may choose.

"The school's governors work to support students and the strategic direction of the school."

COBIS Patron's Accreditation and Compliance Standards - Standard 4: Governance

Training and Courses

Safeguarding for Governors and Trustees in International Schools – The Safeguarding Alliance – virtual – 10 October 2023

Safeguarding training is recommended for all Governors. In addition, the Designated Governor for Safeguarding (DGS) should receive higher level training. Delivered by The Safeguarding Alliance, this interactive, online course explores the safeguarding role and responsibility of the Governor or Trustee in an international school setting. 

Safer Recruitment for International Schools – The Safeguarding Alliance – virtual – 18 October 2023 and 8 February 2024

Safer Recruitment training is advised for Governors who will take part in interview panels. Delivered by The Safeguarding Alliance, this online course has been designed for those who are responsible for ensuring the most appropriate people are recruited and vetted to work with children and young people.

#BetterBoards for International Schools – LSC Education – virtual

A five-week online course for international school board members, facilitated by Helen Wright and Matthew Savage, covering guiding statements; the diversity equation; values-led, ethical governance; wellbeing; measuring achievement and progress. 20% discount available for COBIS Schools (mention at point of booking).

EduCare – online courses

A range of online courses to be completed in your own time, including Child Protection for International Schools, Safer Recruitment for International Schools, Health and Safety for International Schools, and Equality and Diversity for International Schools. COBIS schools are eligible for a 5% discount.

Governance Foundations for Boards – ECIS – Online course

An eight-module, online course covering Board service, leadership development, accountability, and more.

If you have specific training needs for your Governing body, please contact cpd@cobis.org.uk.

"Governors or proprietor(s) have a commitment to their own training and development"

COBIS Patron's Accreditation and Compliance Standards - Standard 4E

"Active and engaged governance involves a commitment to personal and collective professional learning."

School Handbook, COBIS Patron's Accreditation and Compliance

Bespoke Training and Consultancy

Resources and Policies

COBIS Guide to Good Governance
Patron’s Accreditation and Compliance Standards (see Standard 4: Governance; more detailed guidance is provided in the School Handbook for schools engaging with Patron’s Accreditation and Compliance)
Upwards & Onwards - report from RSAcademics on international school Principals and their relationship with Boards, Governors and owners (2023)
International School Governance Practices - specialist report from ISC Research (2022)
Diverse Governance resources from Diverse Educators
AGBIS – Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools
Towards an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy – produced by AGBIS in consultation with Farrer & Co.
NGA – National Governance Association
Upwards and Onwards - How Heads can work with their Boards more effectively - blog - RSAcademics - March 2022
RSAcademics Governors' Update - July 2022

"There are written procedures/protocols for the remit of the work of governors."

COBIS Patron's Accreditation and Compliance Standards - Standard 4C

Evidence in this section could include, for example:

A Board of Governance Constitution which covers all sub-committees and responsibilities and procedures for the conduct of the work of governors
Terms of reference for the Board
Terms of reference for sub-committees
Clear governor recruitment process in place
Handbook for Governors regularly updated
Annual Board of Governors report to parents

Safeguarding and Background Checks

A range of safeguarding training is available for Governors and Trustees; view all COBIS safeguarding courses and training options here.
Identity and police checks for Governors should be recorded on the school’s Single Central Record (SCR). More information on the range of safer recruitment checks available for schools can be found here. This includes the Section 128 Prohibition from management of an independent school.
COBIS can perform Prohibition Order Checks (which include the Section 128 Prohibition from management of an independent school) on behalf of schools overseas. This check is relevant for any Governors do (or have) lived or worked in the UK. Information about accessing this service can be found here.

"All governors and the proprietor(s) meet all the requirements for adults with access to young people, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding within the school."

COBIS Patron's Accreditation and Compliance Standards - Standard 4A

COBIS Supporting Associates or COBIS Schools that wish to suggest a resource or link for inclusion on this page should contact cpd@cobis.org.uk