Autumn term 2024 agenda items and how to prepare

Here's a rundown of the headline issues you're likely to cover in your full governing board or committee meetings this term. Read on to understand each issue, and feel prepared with links to further reading and questions to ask.

Last reviewed on 15 July 2024
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 33632
Contents
  1. Safeguarding: check compliance with updated guidance
  2. Be clear on changes coming into effect this autumn
  3. Elect your chair and vice-chair
  4. Review committees and link governor roles
  5. Approve the school improvement plan
  6. Get ready to review performance data this term
  7. Scrutinise teachers' pay recommendations
  8. Conduct headteacher appraisal 
  9. Get a UK GDPR update from your data protection officer
  10. Set up your governors and trustees with our training
  11. More articles to help you prepare for your next meeting and beyond

You'll likely cover some of the items below in a full board meeting, while others may be delegated to committees, depending on the structure of your governing board. If you're unsure, ask your governance professional as they will be best placed to know where you'll be covering each item.

Safeguarding: check compliance with updated guidance

An updated version of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) has been published for 1 September 2024. 

As governors and trustees, you're responsible for making sure that all relevant policies, procedures and training in your school or trust are effective and comply with the law, so make sure you’re familiar with the latest changes.  

Discuss compliance with this updated statutory guidance in your meetings this term. Read our article summarising the key changes and complete the actions listed in the 'Next steps' section.

Questions to ask senior leaders

All staff have received updated training which includes the new KCSIE