Effective Governance for Headteachers and Senior Leaders

Brief Overview

Schools and Trusts need the support and challenge of strong Governing Boards to help them thrive. Relevant to both experienced and new headteachers as well as senior leaders in maintained schools and academies, this session focuses on effective governance, its purpose and functions. It will explore in depth the governor’s strategic role and the division between strategic governance and the school leader's role.

The session will describe and expand on effective governance as expected by the Department for Education and sought by Ofsted during inspection. The session includes how governance should function, the different models of governance (including those within academy trusts) and how the Governing Board, at all levels, should hold the headteacher to account.

The Governance Guides (2024) state 'For the relationship to be effective, the chair of the Governing Body and the headteacher need to understand each of their respective roles and duties'. This session will explore building a strong professional relationship with your Governing Board, including the key relationships you will have with the chair, clerk/governance professional and governance team, and how to develop positive and effective working practices together.