Improving Governing Body Performance

Governors’ Standards The Nolan Principles: Governors should act selflessly and with integrity; be objective; accountable; be open, honest and demonstrate leadership skills. In addition: committed, confident, curious, challenging, collaborative, critical and creative.

Reviews to support improvement A Skills Survey. A Safeguarding Audit. A Review of Governance. Self Review. A Governors’ Code of Conduct.

Your Clerk – more than a minute taker A good clerk should be able to provide: Administrative and organisational support. Guidance on legal and regulatory frameworks. Advice on procedural matters. Information about the Governors’ Allowance Policy.

Meetings How many do you have? How long do they last? Does the school provide refreshments? Are they at the most convenient time of day to ensure good attendance?

Structuring your meetings Initial organisation of the Governing Body. Amalgamating Committee Meetings. Timed Agendas. Do you ask questions? Any other business.

Training Do all your Governors attend training annually? How do you record your training? Do you seek feedback from your Governors? Is the training relevant to their role / responsibility?

Communicating with the Governing Body Email. WhatsApp. Secure website.

Know your School How frequently do you visit? Do you use a visit form? Do you feedback at Governing Body Meetings? Do you have Governor Days?

Policies How much attention do you pay to policies? Who drafts them? When and how are they reviewed?

How well do you know each other? Collaboration. Governors / staff socials. Supporting new Governors.

Further information NGA website – www.nga.org.uk The Key – www.schoolgovernors.thekeysupport.com A Competency Framework for Governors, Governance Handbook, Clerking Competency Framework all by the DfE. www.questionsforgovernors.co.uk