As a result of a major project, a Framework for Identifying Governing Body Effectiveness in Higher Education has been developed and is now available for use by institutions. Most of the research and data sources derive from the report by Allan Schofield What is an Effective and High Performing Governing Body in UK Higher Education? 16 volunteer governing bodies took part in the pilot project, which was supported by the four UK funding bodies, coordinated by HEFCE through the Leadership, Governance and Management Fund.
The Framework comprises 3 inter-related elements:
The Framework sets out details of these elements, and how some or all of them can be used by individual governing bodies to assess their effectiveness, not just in terms of sound processes and clear documentation, but in those aspects of effectiveness which are more difficult to identify and measure.
An Effectiveness Questionnaire has been devised for use in effectiveness reviews. This can be adapted for the needs of individual institutions. The survey monkey mentioned in the report is not available.The Leadership Foundation can support effectiveness reviews.
Guidance is also available on assessing the framework criteria and on conducting governing body effectiveness reviews.
Two surveys have been undertaken on existing practice in conducting effectiveness reviews of governing bodies, in a sample of British institutions and in 
Scotland.
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