Guidance

Ofsted's corporate governance framework

The framework outlines the responsibilities and procedures of Ofsted's board, chair and committees.

• From: Ofsted
• Published: 1 February 2014
• Last updated: 13 October 2025
  Show all updates

  1. 13 October 2025

     Updated and signed off by Ofsted’s board per the recommendation in the Gilbert Review to strengthen accountability and improve board oversight of Ofsted’s effectiveness.

  2. 30 March 2023

     Updated as part of a regular review of the framework to reflect the latest guidance.

  3. 16 February 2021

     Updated as part of a regular review of the framework in line with best practice.

  4. 6 January 2017

     Updated following Amanda Spielman’s appointment as HMCI and her role as Chair of the Executive Board; changes clarify the Chief Operating Officer as being designated to perform the functions of HMCI in her absence and for the purposes of this designation to act as deputy to HMCI; changes to the committees of the Ofsted Board; changes to those executives attending HMCI’s Inspection and Improvement Forums (IIFs) and some minor changes that clarify the purpose of these meetings.

  5. 21 July 2016

     Updated to reflect minor changes to individuals’ responsibilities and job titles; changes to the committees of the Ofsted Board and their terms of reference; and minor changes to the administrative proceedings of the Ofsted Board.

  6. 1 February 2014

     First published.

Applies to England

Documents

Ofsted's corporate governance framework

HTML

Details

This document sets out the main responsibilities of the board of the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (the Board) and of His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills (HMCI) and the executive committee.

It outlines the board’s and HMCI’s powers of delegation, the conduct expected of the board and proceedings of the board.