School governors have a unique opportunity to lead the way in sustainability. By becoming a Sustainability Governor, you can influence strategic decisions that prepare young people for a future shaped by climate challenges.
Shaping the Future
As a school governor, you have the power to influence lasting change, not just for your school, but for the planet. A Sustainability Governor ensures environmental responsibility is woven into strategic decisions and leads the development of climate action plans. This role is vital for preparing young people for a world shaped by climate challenges. By championing sustainability, you’ll inspire staff, students, and the wider community to take meaningful action. You’ll influence policy, drive progress, and help your school align with national strategies. It’s a chance to make a real impact and leave a legacy of positive change.
Making a Difference
Sustainability Governors advocate for green initiatives in planning and budgeting, support staff training, and connect schools with local organisations and community projects. They monitor progress and ensure sustainability becomes part of everyday school life. Becoming one is simple - express your interest to the governing body and commit to championing climate action. To build confidence, access free training and resources from supporting organisations. This role offers purpose, influence, and the opportunity to empower your school community to take action for climate and nature. Your leadership can spark real change.
Support Training
New to sustainability? Our Climate Action Planning Toolkit provides schools with structured templates, practical guidance, and step-by-step resources to create and implement a whole-school climate action plan. It helps new sustainability leads and governors set priorities, engage stakeholders, and track progress toward environmental goals confidently.
Check out our guidance on effective leadership for sustainability which provides new or aspiring sustainability leads with strategic guidance, climate action planning frameworks, funded energy audits, carbon literacy training, termly network meetings, resources for wholeschool initiatives, and peer collaboration.
Sustainability Support for Education helps schools appoint a sustainability governor by offering role guidance, strategic accountability frameworks, and targeted resources like toolkits on environmental leadership, link governors, and whole-school sustainability approaches - strengthening governance and embedding climate priorities.
The Sustainability Governor Network on LinkedIn connects school governors across England and Wales, offering termly online networking sessions, a dedicated forum to share best practices, and curated training and resources. It's designed to empower governors in overseeing climate action and embedding sustainability strategies.
The Suffolk Schools Sustainability Team can offer bespoke whole-school sustainability training, funded by Suffolk Public Sector Leaders. Training is subject to requirements and availability, so schools interested in tailored support are encouraged to get in touch to discuss options.
Events
2026 Sustainability in Education Conference
New to sustainability leadership? Join the Sustainability in Education Conference on 22 June 2026 for inspiring keynotes, hands-on workshops, and real-world case studies. Explore biodiversity, decarbonisation, curriculum integration, and leadership strategies. Network with experts and peers, gain practical tools, and lead meaningful climate action in your school. Secure your early-bird place today!
- Poster: 2026 Sustainability in Education Conference
- Eventbrite: Sustainability in Education Conference Suffolk and Norfolk Tickets
- Last year's conference: Suffolk Sustainability in Education Conference
