More than 450,000 people3 contribute as governors to a wide range of public service
organisations and partnerships. There is clear evidence that many have diffi culties in
fulfi lling these responsibilities4. To help them with their tasks, there is an urgent and
ongoing need to be clear about the purpose of governance and the role of the governor,
expand the supply of governors, improve induction programmes and encourage good
relationships between governors and the executive teams who are accountable to them.