What you'll learn
New to governance? Let us guide you through what you need to know right now about your school and your role, so you feel ready to contribute straight away. Learn in bitesize chunks whenever best suits you, or set aside about 2 hours to do this course in one sitting.
Governance during coronavirus:
We developed this course to help you understand governance as it normally happens. During coronavirus, governing boards have had to adapt the way they work (for instance, by holding meetings remotely or finding alternatives to in-person school visits).
In addition to following this course, talk to your chair or clerk about how the pandemic is affecting your board, and what this means for you.
Course overview
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Section 1
Why govern? Making a difference to your school and community
Section 2
What governance is: The 3 core functions
What do governors do? The 3 core functions of the governing board
1 min
Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction: the 1st core function
2 min
Holding executive leaders to account: the 2nd core function
2 min
Overseeing financial performance: the 3rd core function
3 min
Strategic vs operational leadership in your school
5 min
Your role in school compliance
3 min
Section 3
Who's on my board?
Section 4
Governance in practice
Section 5
Prepare for your meetings
What should I expect in my first governing board meeting?
3 min
The governance cycle
3 min
Your meeting pack: what it is and what to do with it
10 min
Important documents explained: self-evaluation form (SEF)
5 min
Important documents explained: school improvement plan (SIP)
6 min
Important documents explained: Ofsted report
3 min
Section 6
Key facts and figures
Section 7
Governor conduct