The governing body takes a largely strategic role in the running of the school.  This means the governors work with the headteacher and senior management team of the school to decide what they want the school to achieve and set the framework for getting there (the strategic framework) by:

• setting suitable aims and objectives, 
• agreeing policies, targets and priorities; and
• monitoring and reviewing aims, objectives, and whether the policies, targets and priorities are being achieved. 

The governing body acts as a “critical friend” to the headteacher by providing advice and support. 

It does this by offering support, constructive advice, a sounding board for ideas, a second opinion on proposals and help where needed.  A critical friend may also challenge, ask questions, seek information, improve proposals and so seek to arrive at the best solution.