Understanding the work of the board

Ko te mārama ki ngā mahi a te poari

The board needs to understand its governance responsibilities to perform well.

If you are new to the board, you can view and download Making a difference - Trustee booklet here.

The good news is there's plenty of help and support available from NZSTA to help guide you. For more about NZSTA services and resources, have a look here.

Scroll down to find lots of resources to help trustees understand the work of the board.

Your responsibilities as a board

As a board, you are responsible for showing leadership and taking a strategic view of your work programme. You also need to clearly understand how to monitor your progress, report back on your performance and engage your community as you need to.

For more information on how this all works have a look at NZSTA's membership publication Trusteeship: A guide for school trustees. You can also check out this School Trustees Booklet - Helping you ask the right questions.

What you need to know about the work of the board

As a board, you are responsible for seven key work areas, which are:

development and ongoing review of the school charter.
monitoring and reviewing your school’s progress.
putting in place a policy framework.
employing the principal.
managing assets.
ensuring your school’s legal compliance.
implementing the National Education Guidelines.

Why

Why understanding the work of the board is important

Being clear about your work programme will ensure you fulfil your legal responsibilities and stay focused on student achievement. It will also help every board understand your goals for the year ahead. Remember, NZSTA is here to help. So, get in touch if you need help and advice at any time.

Where

Where to find information about the work of the board

The board’s governance framework is a written document setting out the policies by which your school is to be governed and managed. As such, it can be a great tool to use to guide the work of the board.

How

How to add new work to the board’s responsibilities

As a board, you can take on additional functions (extra to the seven key areas outlined above) as you see fit and as part of the process of reviewing and updating your policy framework.

Professional Development

NZSTA Knowledge Hub

Visit our Knowledge Hub where you can find a range of learning tools, such as 80+ interactive modules, videos, podcasts, e-books, and events and workshops in your region.

With no log-in needed, learn on the go at our Knowledge Hub.

Driving a culture of excellence

Four governance principles for school leaders

Property and the role of the board

The Board's role in Finance

Community Pulse

Understanding the work of the board related videos

Making a Difference - trustee booklet

Congratulations on becoming a trustee! This booklet is specifically designed to give those new to the role an overview of key aspects of a trustee’s role. There is a lot to take in when you become a trustee so you’ll find it useful to read through it and dip into it again as questions or situations arise where you need information.

Note: If your board is a member of NZSTA, trustees have access to the Trusteeship - A guide for school trustees