Governance in Further Education and Skills When the outgoing FE Commissioner Shelagh Legrave warned boards to “beware of hero principals and dominant chairs”, her words carried the weight of experience. The language is stark, but the risks are real: weak oversight, opaque decision-making, and the erosion of trust. Yet caution must come with nuance. Poorly governed leadership is dangerous, but effective leadership is essential. Principals who strive for impact are not inherent
