As a governor you should consider what are your individual training needs, and what are the needs of your governing body as a whole.
- Are there sessions that are of particular interest to you and your continuing development?
- Are there sessions which would be beneficial if someone from your governing body attended?
While all governors are welcome at any training session, most people do not have the time to attend everything. Take some time at your governing body to discuss your collective training needs. Plan the best use of your time and share the useful information you have gained. Your governing body makes decisions about the training and support it buys, make an informed decision and make the most of the services that are offered.
This way you will be in the best position to be able to support your school effectively.
New governors
Talk to the Head, Chair about being introduced to the school and how it works, look through:
- DCSF Guide to the Law for School Governors
- DCSF Roles of Governing Bodies and Headteachers
- School documents, Annual Report to Parents, Prospectus, School Development Plan, School Policies
Attend either Roles and Responsibilities, Curriculum Issues or the National Governor Programme or Book places on general courses for your own benefit and/ or as a representative of your governing body.
All governors
Think about:
- What responsibilities you have
- Your role as a member of a particular committee
- Whether you are up to date on issues or need to learn/ refresh your skills
Governors attend relevant courses, if possible, and give feedback. Should the whole governing body request a 'bespoke' session?
Share your knowledge with your governing body
- Consider attending regional conferences and meeting governors from other Local Authorities
- Keep up to date on current issues
- Read booklets to accompany training sessions
- Make suggestions about future training
Whole governing body
- How well does your governing body fulfill its role and discharge its responsibilities?
- Consider requesting help with self review a session called Developing your Governing Body
- Has your school been recently inspected by OFSTED?
- Has the governing body any specific key issues to address?
- Does your governing body need to improve its awareness of new issues or skills?
- Does your governing body need some time away from a busy agenda?
- Consider at your meeting the priorities for your governing bodies development
- Ask Governor Services for a training session that is tailored to your needs
Contact Governor Services
Page 1
