A governing body is a corporate form of management. It includes the following types of institution:

• Sport governing body - a regulating authority for sports
• Governing body comprising school governors, especially in the United Kingdom
• School board in Scotland
• Board of Governors of a public institution, especially in the United States
• Board of directors may be described as a governing body
• University Court - the governing body of each of the ancient universities of Scotland

Particular governing bodies include:

• The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses
• Governing Body Commission of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness