Governance professional perspectives

This report explores the changing landscape of the governance professional role over the last three years, highlighting the progress made in some areas and the further work required in others.

NGA has undertaken regular surveys of governance professionals since 2013. In 2021, NGA carried out an extensive survey of governance professionals’ pay and employment conditions which highlighted the diverse nature of this vital, yet often undervalued role. This report continues that work, highlighting key findings on pay, working conditions, career progression, and the evolving role of governance professional in schools and trusts.

Research overview

This report draws on a survey of more than 500 governance professionals supporting over 3000 schools and trusts. Key findings cover the following areas:

working conditions
pay and remuneration
development, progression and retention
professional practice

Key findings

There is significant opportunity for pay progression within the profession. 21% of respondents working in level 1 (clerking) roles are paid £20 or more per hour compared to 70% of those working in a level 3 (lead governance professional) role.
Satisfaction with remuneration has increased. 58% of governance professionals are satisfied or very satisfied with their remuneration, compared to 46% in 2021.
The take up of clerking-specific qualifications has increased, with 74% of respondents having completed or started NGA’s Level 3 Certificate in Clerking (the most commonly pursued qualification), compared to 41% holding a clerking qualification in 2021.
There has been an increase in governance professionals reporting they receive appraisals (67% in 2024, compared to 48% in 2021). However, only 20% of appraisals included discussions on pay and remuneration.
More governance professionals reported an intention to leave the profession, with 18% of respondents indicating that they did not plan to stay in the profession; a considerable increase from 2021 of just 4%. Key reasons were lack of career progression, high workload, and low remuneration.
Governance professionals reported the same challenges in their schools/trusts as highlighted by governors and trustees in our annual governance survey, demonstrating a shared understanding of the key issues impacting schools and trusts. The top challenges reported were ‘balancing the budget’, ‘support for pupils with SEND’ and ‘pupil attendance’.

Sharon Warmington, Founder - National Association of School and College Clerks (NASCC) commented on the report:
"The National Association of School and College Clerks (NASCC) welcomes the National Governance Association’s report, which provides an insightful and comprehensive overview of the evolving role of governance professionals (GPs). However, the findings underscore the urgency for a systemic review and revision of pay structures to bring them in line with comparable roles in other sectors. The profession cannot continue to thrive while a significant proportion of governance professionals are considering leaving due to inadequate pay, limited career progression, and poor terms and conditions.
NASCC has consistently advocated for sustainable remuneration models, emphasising the need to move away from hourly pay structures. With advancements in artificial intelligence and other technologies, many governance tasks will become more efficient, potentially reducing time spent on administrative processes. However, this shift only heightens the necessity for specialist governance expertise. Strategic and operational leaders must recognise that the strategic and advisory components of the governance professional’s role cannot and should not be commodified or devalued. The Department for Education’s (DfE) emphasis on robust governance, as outlined in the governance guidance and other statutory guidance, supports this stance by highlighting the critical role of skilled clerks and governance professionals in achieving effective oversight.
NASCC strongly advocates for the adoption of salaried pay models that reflect the strategic contributions governance professionals make to compliance, decision-making, and the overall efficiency of governing boards. Investing in governance professionals ensures the retention of highly skilled individuals who can navigate the complexities of modern governance, align with regulatory standards, and support boards in delivering positive outcomes for pupils.
NASCC stands ready to collaborate with stakeholders to elevate the profession and address the challenges identified in this report. Together, we can ensure that governance professionals receive the recognition, respect, and remuneration they deserve as a cornerstone of effective governance."

Lizzie Oliver, Director - Trust Governance Professionals (TGP) Ltd commented:
“We are pleased to see this report highlighting the integral work of the governance professional, and (as Emma Balchin points out so well) how ‘indispensable’ they are to the communities that they serve. Both the Academy Trust Governance Guide and Academy Trust Governance Code make clear that a skilled and knowledgeable governance professional is a core pillar of an effective governance structure. It is a role that often interacts with, and becomes the confidante of, those who are working at all levels across a school or trust – from senior leadership to support staff on the ground.
Governance professionals provide expert advice and support to volunteers making complex decisions, and in doing so they are fundamental to the stewardship of the culture, values and purpose that the board sets. They are too often, though, left isolated in roles that are misunderstood and undervalued. It is encouraging to see progress being made in relation to remuneration and professional development, but there is still a long way to go. At Trust Governance Professionals, we will continue to advocate and champion this vital role and are exceptionally glad of the work of our sector partners and reports like this in support of that mission.”