Governing board diversity indicators form

The Department for Education (DfE) recognises that diversity is important and wants governing boards to be increasingly reflective of the communities they serve. The DfE now encourages schools and trusts to collect and publish diversity data about the board and any local academy committees.

There is no prescriptive way to collect diversity data from volunteers. The NGA diversity indicators form can be used by governing boards in all types of school structure to gather diversity data on their membership and use this as a basis for discussion and action.

Not all diversity information will be relevant to publish – as a starting point, we recommend boards report on the age, gender and ethnicity of their membership although other data may be relevant depending on the characteristics of your local community. Information should be widely accessible to members of the school/trust community and the public. Refer to DfE guidance on what academies and maintained schools should publish online for further advice on publishing diversity data.

Our diversity indicators form is designed to help boards gather data on their membership and use this as a basis for discussion and action, which could include:

targeted recruitment to address gaps in experience and diversity
developing and adapting board practices to ensure full participation
prioritising training and awareness-raising in identified areas
addressing potential ‘blind spots’ through seeking wider advice and perspectives on current and upcoming opportunities, challenges and risk

The form can be adapted and used by boards in all types of school. It should be circulated to all board members and the responses evaluated by either or a combination of the chair, the governance professional and the school/trust leader.

The form includes questions that cover: