[1] The NGA works for school governors, trustees and clerks by: School governors, trustees and clerks can join the NGA as individuals or join up their governing boards as 'standard' or 'gold' members.

GOLDline: NGA runs a confidential telephone advice line for its Gold members for legal and general advice Training and Consultancy: the NGA offers a consultancy and training service which is open to all governing boards in England The NGA promotes the work of governors and trustees at the national level.

The NGA works closely with and lobbies government and the major educational bodies to ensure that the views of governors are fully represented in the national arena.

A strong local association can make an enormous difference to governing body effectiveness.

Some local associations have thousands of members, organise meetings and conferences and have their own websites.