Coronavirus: how to induct a new governor remotely

The chair usually leads induction

The chair should lead induction for a new governor but can delegate the responsibility to the vice-chair.

Whoever's responsible, the individual should keep the headteacher and clerk updated on the new governor's progress.

Set up a meeting with your new governor 

If you're leading induction, arrange a video call with the new governor.

You don’t need to invite the headteacher to this meeting as they don’t need to be involved yet. Also, it’ll help the new governor understand that you’re responsible for providing the leadership and direction of the governing board, not the headteacher.  

During the initial meeting:

• Present the vision for improvement and strategy for the future
• Explain how the governing board and its committees function
• Outline your expectations of governors
• Introduce the new governor to key documents – explain what they are and that you'll send them over for the new governor to familiarise themself with

Send them key documents

Make sure you send your new governor the necessary paperwork so they've got an overview of:

• The structure of the board
• The school's context
• What's expected of them in their role, including their conduct, commitment and contribution to the board

Try to provide relevant information and advice at a pace that will support your new governor rather than overwhelm them.

See our checklist (in the section 'Download our remote induction checklist' below) for a list of documentation you should provide.

If you’re a member of The Key, take a look at our governor pack which you can adapt and send to a new governor outlining everything they need to know.

Assign them their mentor

Make sure your new governor knows who their mentor is – they'll act as their first port of call.

Let them know that they can always contact you as well, but their mentor will be there for them to meet with frequently to answer any questions, discuss progress and identify any need for further support.

Their mentor will provide ongoing support

It's beneficial for the mentor to speak with the new governor regularly.

They should set up video chats to check in with them, especially before and after full governing board meetings and committee meetings.

This'll allow the new governor to ask questions, and their mentor to provide any relevant feedback.

When things are a bit more 'business as usual', your new governor's mentor should also check in with them before and after activities such as:

• Governor visits
• Appeals panels

Help them prepare for their first board meeting

Remember, the first full governing board meeting will be quite daunting for a new governor, especially since this is likely to be held remotely.

Make sure they have everything they need at least a week before the meeting, including:

• The information they need to access the video call
• Any ‘ground rules’ your board has for video call etiquette
• The agenda
• Any reports and papers that will be considered
• Minutes from the previous meeting

Remind them to:

• Carefully read all documentation related to the upcoming meeting 
• Focus on an agenda point that they're interested in or have prior knowledge/experience of as they'll be more confident to make a contribution. They won't be expected to understand everything all at once!
• Ask questions or ask for clarification on matters they're unsure of. It may help if they prepare questions in advance

Invite them to observe a committee

If your committees are running remotely, invite your new governor to attend the video call and observe the committee they’re interested in joining. 

Set them up with training

Ask your new governor to complete a skills audit so you know what their training needs are.

Check whether your local authority (LA) or academy trust is running any induction courses for governors – they might be putting on e-courses or webinars. If they are, encourage your new governor to sign up to them.

Also, encourage them to complete Governors for Schools' free elearning modules for new governors on areas such as finance and performance data.

Make sure they register on The Key

Tell your new governor to register with The Key for School Governors so they can access our full range of resources, read up on the topics they're likely to encounter and stay up to date with changes in education. 

To create their personal log-in, tell them to: 

• Visit My Key (https://my.thekeysupport.com/register/)
• Have your school's postcode to hand, they'll need this for registration
• Fill in the short registration form, and select 'The Key for School Governors' when given the option

Download our remote induction checklist

If you’re the chair or vice-chair leading induction, or a mentor to a new governor, download our checklist to help you keep track of everything you and your new governor need to do.

KeyDoc - Coronavirus remote governor induction checklist DOC, 181.5 KB Download

Keep in touch

Your new governor is likely to feel a bit isolated when joining the board, so make sure you check in on them from time to time, and let them know that you’re there if they have any questions.

Also give them the option for a phone call or video call with you – emails are great but you can’t beat hearing someone’s voice or seeing their face!

Tasks for later

There are some things you can’t do through a screen. When schools are back and your headteacher agrees it's safe to do so, set up:

• A tour of the school
• An introduction to staff
• Face-to-face meetings with the headteacher and chair
• A meeting with the school council