Governing bodies urged to sign up to ‘seven principles of public life’

The call comes within a joint statement that has been published to help headteachers and governing boards to work together effectively.

The seven principles, which were established by Lord Nolan in 1995, are: to act selflessly, with integrity, objectively, be accountable, open and honest, and demonstrate leadership skills.

The four-page document sets out the key tenets that a successful governing board must have, including a commitment to asking challenging questions and an understanding of their role and responsibilities.

Likewise, it details how headteachers should approach their liaisons with governors, including a willingness to be challenged and time to devote to developing professional relationships.

The document has been issued jointly by the Association of School and College Leaders, the National Association of Head Teachers, the Local Government Association, and the National Governors’ Association (NGA).