Do parent governor elections need a returning officer?
The role of the returning officer, who can fulfil it, and their responsibilities in school elections.
Quick Answer
While parent governor elections do not require a formally appointed returning officer in the same way as public elections, someone must take responsibility for administering the election fairly. This role is typically fulfilled by the clerk to governors or the headteacher, though any suitable person may be designated.
Quick Reference
| Formal requirement | No statutory returning officer role |
|---|---|
| Common practice | Clerk or headteacher administers election |
| Key responsibilities | Fair administration and accurate counting |
| Independence | Administrator should be neutral and impartial |
Legal position
Unlike parliamentary or local council elections, parent governor elections do not have a statutory returning officer role defined in legislation. The regulations set out what must happen but do not specify who must do it.
However, someone must take responsibility for ensuring the election is conducted properly. This includes notifying parents, collecting nominations, administering the ballot, counting votes, and announcing results.
Who should administer the election
The most common arrangements are:
- Clerk to governors: Often the natural choice as they manage governance administration
- Headteacher: May administer if the clerk is unavailable
- School business manager: Sometimes takes this role
- External service provider: For online voting or managed elections
Best practice
Responsibilities of the administrator
The person administering the election should:
- Notify all parents of the vacancy and election timeline
- Collect and verify nominations
- Prepare and distribute ballot materials
- Maintain ballot secrecy throughout
- Count votes accurately and fairly
- Announce results to all parents
- Keep records for governance documentation
- Handle any complaints or challenges
Independence and impartiality
The person administering the election should be neutral and have no stake in the outcome. They should not be:
- A candidate in the election
- Closely related to a candidate
- Publicly supporting a particular candidate
If there is any potential conflict of interest, an alternative administrator should be appointed for that election.
How Choice Voting helps with this
Choice Voting acts as your independent returning officer, handling all aspects of election administration with full audit trails.
- Independent third-party administration
- Complete audit trail for governance records
Related Guides
How do you run a parent governor election?
A complete step-by-step guide to the election process.
What counts as a secret ballot for parent governor elections?
Requirements for ballot secrecy and voter privacy.
Can a parent governor election be run online?
Legal requirements and benefits of digital elections.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the author
Choice Voting Governance Team
Governance Lead
Part of the Choice Voting governance team, helping UK schools run compliant, well-attended elections and consultations.