GDPR will apply to all those who process personal data from 25 May 2018 and will replace the current Data Protection Act. Under current data protection laws, the governing board, as the body with corporate responsibility for managing the school, has ultimate responsibility for matters relating to data protection. Governors and trustees should be aware of the coming changes and how to ensure that their school is compliant.

The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) is an independent grant-making charity dedicated to breaking the link between family income and educational achievement. It uses existing research of ‘what works’ in education, to evaluate the most promising educational innovations and teaching approaches to address the needs of disadvantaged children in primary and secondary schools in England. The EEF provides independent and accessible information through the Teaching and Learning Toolkit, summarising educational research from the UK and around the world. The Toolkit provides guidance for teachers and schools on how best to use their resources to improve the attainment of pupils.

Governing boards today play a pivotal role in ensuring the safeguarding of children, and this includes online safeguarding and the impact of digital technology. 

From 25th May 2018, the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA) will be replaced by the new more stringent General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). All governing boards need to be aware of their obligations under the new regulations and will be required to show compliance with the GDPR.