Cochrane's governing body is the Governing Board, with some members elected by Cochrane members and some appointed by the Board itself. The Governing Board has overall responsibility for the global organization and its strategic direction. Cochrane is a registered charity in the United Kingdom and Board members serve as the charity’s ‘trustees’.

As part of its role, the Governing Board oversees the work of Cochrane's Chief Executive Officer, Editor in Chief, and Central Executive team, who support the development and delivery of all work across the Cochrane community.