Appendix 1: Feedback from governors and those who work with them

Governor focus group 12 December 2025

What governors would like to see from their trusts/the centre

• Remind board members about what functions councils perform and how life would be challenging without a quorate council (eg NED appointments).
  
  
• Make it easier for governors to stay on in post (likely requires secondary legislation) to avoid holding elections for very short terms/save resources and expertise.
  
  
• Potential to work with councils on what might replace them – how will the FT embed public accountability without the council/membership structure?

Suggestions for keeping the show on the road

• Sustain a positive culture of collegiate working – governors are disillusioned and need to be valued or will leave and/or fight e.g. advanced FT status.
  
  
• Ensure someone in the Trust has the latest information that can be shared with governors as needed. Keep governors informed.
  
  
• Keep calm and carry on in most other respects (though need to recognise disquiet) – e.g. new governors need an induction, still need to be engaged in order to do their job.

Board/staff focus group 19 December 2025

What they would like to see at national level

• Provide clear, timely communication on legislative intent and timing, including explicit guidance on what is expected of trusts during the transition period. 
  
  
• Ensure the legislation and associated guidance prevents any confusion or legacy disputes relating to governors. 
  
  
• Explore options to give greater flexibility on elections and terms of office, and clarify regulatory tolerance in the interim. 
  
  
• Clarify expectations for future public and staff accountability and voice mechanisms. 
• Develop national guidance around contingencies should governor processes become unworkable e.g. alternative routes for important approvals. 

Suggestions for keeping the show on the road 

• Invest time in working with governors with a strong focus on maintaining trust and transparent communication, to sustain/rebuild relationships. 
  
  
• Frame the reform as something to be shaped with governors, using the interim period to explore and pilot alternative engagement models where needed. 
  
  
• Take pragmatic steps to maintain compliance while minimising cost and disruption (eg right-sizing councils, holding vacancies).