In 1841, The Governesses' Benevolent Institution, later renamed the School Mistress and Governesses Institution in 1952, was founded in London and became the first organization to advocate for the betterment of the conditions of employment for governesses at the time. Originally formed to aid impoverished governesses during illness and old age, the Institution gradually expanded in not only location, but also in the support, both financial and emotional, and aid offered. By 1850, the Institution included: a home for unemployed governesses, and asylum that later became homes for old and retired governesses (Asylum for Aged Governesses to The Home for Retired Governesses), and even led to the establishment of Queen's College which provided education to school/ in- home governesses. This is especially significant to note when comparing its existence to the hardships faced by the titular character in the 1847 novel, Jane Eyre, as its presence and intervention could have greatly benefitted Jane and improved upon the conditions in which she was subjected to work.
The National Archives. “The Discovery Service.” SCHOOL MISTRESSES AND GOVERNESSES BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION | The National Archives, The National Archives, 12 Aug. 2009, https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/66286980-7dc3-4e12-8aab-1108ec9cf947.