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 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 Accreditation and Compliance Standards - Standard 4: Governance

Training and Courses

Safeguarding for Governors and Trustees in International Schools – The Safeguarding Alliance – virtual – 3 June and 1 October 2024

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. 

Child Protection Training for Board Members, Owners, and Senior Leaders – Childsafeguarding.com – virtual

This course teaches the fundamentals of Child Protection Governance, Leadership, and Management. The content meets international standards for Child Protection training for leaders.

Safer Recruitment for International Schools – The Safeguarding Alliance – virtual – 15 October 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.

iGNIS, Governance Network for International Schools – RSAcademics

iGNIS is a new membership network entirely dedicated to the Boards of international schools. Designed to facilitate and promote good governance in international schools, and to reflect and respect their different types of Boards. From Monday 2 September onwards, Board members and Principals in iGNIS member schools will have access to training videos, newsletters, live training, networking opportunities, and more. Discounted rates are available for COBIS schools.

#BetterBoards for International Schools – LSC Education – virtual

Training 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).

Tes Safeguarding (formerly 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 Accreditation and Compliance Standards - Standard 4E

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

School Handbook, COBIS Accreditation and Compliance

Bespoke Training and Consultancy

Resources and Policies

COBIS Guide to Good Governance
Accreditation and Compliance Standards (see Standard 4: Governance; more detailed guidance is provided in the School Handbook for schools engaging with 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 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 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