A group of volunteers, called governors, forms a committee known as the governing board to act as 'critical friends' to headteachers and make important decisions affecting the school.

All schools have various types of governors to represent the interests of different parts of the school community.  Categories can include staff, parents, community, co-opted or foundation.

A foundation governor represents the interests of a 'foundation body', which may be a church, trust or educational charity. 

In our church schools, most foundation governors are appointed by the Diocesan Board of Education, in partnership with the local Parochial Church Council and their role is to represent the Anglican church at governing body meetings.

A governing body needs a diverse range of people to reflect the community it serves, including:

• those who bring lived experience,
• individuals with knowledge and expertise gained in employment or volunteering,
• representatives from people of all ages from 18 and above.

Any of the experiences or qualities listed below would be helpful to anyone considering becoming a foundation governor, but are not essential:

• Commitment to Church School education with Christian understanding
• Commitment to young people and the local community
• An ability to support others 
• Understanding and experience of strategic planning
• Ability to analyse data, question and challenge
• Understanding of current education policy
• A willingness to learn new skills
• Eager to be part of a team
• Values others' viewpoints and perspectives
• Links with the community and local businesses
• Aptitude for finance
• Experience of being a board member in another sector
• Previous experience as a governor/trustee in another school

The main requirement is that you must be willing to represent the Anglican church, and conduct your role within the principles of the Church of England.

If you are interested in the role but unsure whether to apply, please get in touch with us for an informal chat

Most Foundation Governors are appointed by the Diocesan Board of Education, working with the Parochial Church Council local to the school.  You can view the procedures here.

Some Foundation Governors are appointed by the local church council or other registered charities, who have their own appointment process.

Governors need to be able to attend governors' meetings, usually between three and six a year. They will also be asked to sit on a committee of the governing body that specialises in a particular aspect of the school, for example, finance, learning and development, etc. 

We also encourage Foundation Governors to visit the school, and attend events and collective worship when possible. 

Sometimes governors are needed to sit on a temporary committee or panel to consider matters such as complaints or recruiting a new headteacher, but not all governors are involved with this.

Please look at your Instrument of Government or your Articles of Association. Read more here

We always aim to make appointments as quickly as possible. As soon as we receive the application, we seek two references. It helps to speed up the process if your referees are expecting an email requesting a reference. Once we receive the references, the application is sent to the Senior Leadership Team for consideration. They usually meet once a week on a Monday.

Please contact Kim Dove, DBE Administrator - kim.dove@lincoln.anglican.org

No. The person should be willing to support the Anglican ethos, values and aims of the school and be a person of faith. It is not necessary to live in the parish where the school is situated or attend a particular church. 

If you are interested in the role but unsure whether to apply, please get in touch with us for an informal chat.

Foundation Governors represent the Church of England and so, whilst it is not essential that all are practicing Anglicans, it is preferred that they have Christian commitment. On the appointment form, nominees are given the opportunity to reflect on the special role of the Foundation Governor and indicate how they feel they are suited to it. They must agree to support and maintain the Christian Foundation and Voluntary Status of the school and support the principles underlying the school’s Trust Deed, by ensuring the school is distinctively Christian, and that Christian Values, principles and beliefs are central to the school’s ethos, curriculum, relationships and work.