Governor Induction Session for School Governance in South East Wales
Explore the Governor Induction session in South East Wales, covering the establishment of governing bodies, roles and responsibilities, meeting procedures, and avenues for support and learning. Discover the context of the EAS consortium and the changing educational landscape in Wales. Get insights into key session aims and areas of learning interest.
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Presentation Transcript
Governor Induction (Mandatory) Version: May 2022
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Welcome and Introductions
Session Aims By the end of this session you should have a greater understanding of: How governing bodies are established The role and responsibilities of the governing body How governing body meetings are conducted Accessing further support and professional learning By the end of this session, you are not expected to be an expert in school governance, you are likely to have more questions and are encouraged to develop your skills further.
Context of the Consortium - EAS A service that was set up by the 5 LAs in September 2012 in response to the requirements of the National Model for Regional Working. The EAS is owned by the 5 Local Authorities and the decision was made to set it up as a Company. One function of the EAS is to provide a Governor Support Service to all schools and a clerking service to all schools across the region, through an SLA.
Landscape for education in Wales is changing This document encapsulates the changes in Wales and provides an action plan for education reform New curriculum New teaching standards New assessment arrangements New GCSEs A Self Improving System https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2018-03/education-in-wales-our-national-mission.pdf https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2020-10/education-in-Wales-our-national-mission-update-october-2020.pdf
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Background Information
Support for Governors The Governor Support Service provides advice and guidance to school governing bodies, Headteachers and to individual governors to support them in delivering their responsibilities, complying with statutory requirements. Clerking Service (SLA) Statutory Committee and Specialist Support (SLA) EAS Governor Professional Learning Agenda preparation Organisation of statutory Panels Mandatory governor training Clerking service Documentation pack distribution Governor professional learning model Minutes production Legislation / policy guidance Governor skills and knowledge toolkit QA processes Specialist advice on Governance as applicable Mandatory clerk training Governing body self-evaluation online portal Clerk development
The different types of Governor Headteacher Observers (e.g. deputy headteacher) Staff Associate pupil (secondary schools) Teacher The Governing Body Local authority Parent Foundation Community Minor Authority (Additional community)
Roles within the Governing Body Headteacher Chair of Governors Vice Chair of Governors / Reserve Additional Roles Link governors Joining committees Clerk to the Governing Body Meeting Clerk EAS Governor Support Team
The composition of a Governing Body Once on the governing body, everyone equal . Some appointed by external bodies (LA) Some elected by their peers (parent / teacher) Some appointed by the governing body (community) Appointments handled by external bodies who inform governor support team A report provided for every meeting by governor support team Changes recorded in the agenda and also need to be recorded in the minutes
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Responsibilities of the Governing Body
The role of the Governing Body (Summary) Provide a strategic view, setting the framework within which the headteacher and staff run the school; setting the aims and objectives; agreeing policies, targets and priorities for achieving these objectives; monitoring and evaluating Provide support and challenge to the headteacher and staff, seeking information and clarification on progress against targets Ensureaccountability, explaining the decisions and actions of the governing body to anyone who has a legitimate interest
Core Responsibilities The School Development Plan School Curriculum Pupil Learning (Previously standards of achievement / attainment) Ethos, Aims, Policies and Procedures Finance agreeing the budget Staffing agreeing the required staffing Annual Report to Parents Wellbeing and Safeguarding
Responsibilities linked to Estyn Inspection Areas
The Common Inspection Framework (CIF) from September 2017 Who are Estyn? 5 Key Inspection Areas 15 Aspects within these areas
What evidence will inspectors use? School Development Plan (SDP)
5.1 Quality and Effectiveness of Leaders and managers Governing Body extract Inspectors should evaluate how well governors understand and discharge their roles and responsibilities They should consider how well governors know the school s strengths and areas for development and the degree to which they have participated in setting the school s strategic priorities They should consider whether there is an appropriate balance between support and challenge in the way the governing body discharges its role in holding the senior leadership to account on behalf of the local community, i.e. its role as a critical friend . Inspectors should judge how well the governing body fulfils its statutory obligations and takes full account of relevant legislation and guidance, including in relation to how it manages complaints and appeals from parents.
Keeping informed and gathering evidence Headteacher termly reports Scrutinising the data AWCDS (All Wales Core Data Sets), EAS Profiles, Target Setting Information Minutes of Governing Body minutes Annual report to parents First hand observations such as learning walks and the scrutiny of pupils work Examining the budget Termly Finance Meetings Is the committee structure viable? Keeping abreast of National & Local priorities Link Governor roles
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Effective Governing Bodies In order for governing bodies to be effective, governors need to: understand their strategic role understand the corporate responsibility of the governing body adhere to confidentiality prepare effectively to attend governing body meetings be prepared to ask challenging questions understand the structure of the governing body (committees) visit the school during session time (in an organised way) be willing and able to monitor and review their own performance be prepared to undertake further professional learning have an understanding of what makes a school effective understand the boundaries of their role and senior leadership
Practicalities of full Governing Body meetings Quorum/ Apologies Annual Cycle of Meetings Usual 6 annual legal minimum of 3 Delegate the detailed work to Committees What s on the Agenda focus on School Improvement Seek Clarification/ ask Questions As you know, I m a new governor and I don t understand all the details/data/educational jargon on this issue. Would you mind explaining what they mean
Quorum / Quorate / Apologies To legally make decisions, the governing body are required to have a certain proportion of governors present. It is still possible to proceed with a meeting to provide information only The quorum for full governing body meetings is 50% rounded up to the nearest whole number excluding any vacancies For example, a governing body with 13 members and 2 vacancies requires 6 (NOT 7!) governors present to make a decision. If apologies are always accepted the governing body cannot challenge a governor for prolonged non-attendance
Decision Making Processes It is the chair s role to facilitate a democratic decision-making process, ensuring all governors are able to have an input into the deliberations and that a vote takes place. Most decision making tends to be informal, with the chair looking for consensus. Where a more formal process is required this is determined by the Chair / Governing body through discussion. Proposals / recommendations Voting - informal or secret ballot - determined by the Chair after discussion Casting Vote very rare, but the Chair if required All governors must declare an interest / withdraw where the outcome of which might result in financial or personal gain for a governor or his/her family or business, e.g. the awarding of a contract for work.
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulations) Awareness that personal details should not be shared, so, minutes must not contain: Named pupil details Contact details Salary details / Contract /details Personal data such as sickness, maternity, exclusions Tracy Davies Head of Foundation Phase Tracy Davies Head of Foundation Phase (TLR2) classroom days Mon, Tues and Weds. Advisable not to audio / video record any of the meeting
Confidential Minutes What is deemed a confidential minute? Confidential but available to all members of the GB This is likely to detailed Finance Minutes, consultations for the school community, changes to the school that may be controversial The Chair can determine if confidential and discussion can be recorded as Confidential Minutes as Appendix A Confidential available to governors excluding staff and teacher reps Staffing Structure, Appointments, redundancy processes etc. The Chair can determine if confidential and discussion can be recorded as Confidential Minutes as Appendix A
Statutory Committees (Setup at AGM) Meet when required and tend to deal with the more challenging aspects of governance, but also some of the more rewarding Staff Disciplinary and Dismissal Committee (SDDC) Staff Disciplinary and Dismissal Appeal Committee Pupil Discipline and Exclusions Committee Admissions Committee (VA Schools only) Headteacher & Deputy Head Selection Panel Headteacher Performance Management & Appeal Panel Training and Support is provided by Local Authority HR , Governor Support team and other EAS colleagues, such as Principal Challenge Advisers
Non Statutory Committees (Setup at AGM) Governing Bodies are responsible for setting up a Committee Structure to effectively share the workload. Example Committees: Finance - Resources Committee Personnel / Human Resources Committee Curriculum Committee / School Performance and Improvement Committee / Standards Committee Health & Safety Committee / Buildings Committee EAS Getting to know your school: Committee Terms and Reference Guidance documents includes model structures
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Schools Complaints Procedure WG Guidance What is a complaint: 'an expression of-dissatisfaction in relation to the school, a governor or a member of its staff that requires a response from the school . Follow the school complaint procedure (usually based on LA / WG procedures) If approached, individual governors must not become involved Refer the complainant to the school / headteacher / teacher for clarification or ask for the school Complaints Procedures Unless the complaint is about the headteacher, then refer to the Chair May have a role in committee at Stage C to consider a complaint
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Principles of Conduct for Governors of Schools in Wales (each governing body adopts their own, usually based on these examples)
Code of Conduct - examples 1. ensure that their actions reflect the considered, best interests of the school and its pupils 2. attend governing body meetings regularly 3. on appointment / election attend bot the mandatory professional learning (induction / data training and chair training and the optional development programmes 4. on appointment / election, familiarise themselves with work of the school and keep this knowledge up to date 5. maintain their knowledge of current education policy, regulations and guidance and extend their skills by participating in professional learning programmes 6. demonstrate a commitment to equality of opportunity 7. act as a critical friend towards those who have professional responsibilities in the school, bearing in mind the governing body s own responsibility to promote high standards of educational achievement
Code of Conduct - examples 8. be conscious of, and act within, the limits of the responsibilities of the governing body and, when necessary, seek and give due consideration to professional information, advice and guidance 9. respect the responsibility of the headteacher for the day-to-day decisions in the management of the school 10. observe collective responsibility by supporting, once determined by democratic means, the decisions of the governing body 11. respect the governing body s right to deem certain matters to be confidential, restricting discussion of such matters, whether inside or outside governing body meetings, solely to governor colleagues and, in appropriate cases, solely to discussion within governing body committees 12. develop with colleagues on the governing body a clear vision for the school 13. focus their contribution to governing body decisions upon what is in the best interests of pupils, and be conscious that the welfare of pupils should always come first
Code of Conduct - examples 14. encourage and participate in systems which provide for open and effective communication, helping to establish a clear vision of the school s development 15. be aware that all governors are equal, respect others views and behave accordingly in dealings with governor colleagues 16. be aware of their accountability to parents and others in the local community and seek to devise effective dialogue with all those interested in the conduct and standards of the school 17. observe all protocols and procedures agreed by the governing body 18. be open, honest, objective, fair and impartial, and prepared to confront the personal prejudices that may hinder informed decision-making including conflicts of interest 19. with the popularity of social networking sites, , governors should remember that they are a representative of the governing body and part of a corporate body. It is therefore sensible for governors to maintain a certain level of separation on social networking sites, as this may create a conflict/difficult situation in the future
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Where to access further support
Additional Support and Information EAS Supporting our Schools Site: https://sites.google.com/hwbcymru.net/eas-supporting-our-schools/home New site specifically for governors under development Welsh Government: https://gov.wales/school-governors-guide-law (the guide to the law) https://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2005/2914/contents/made (the law on Governing Bodies in Wales) Welsh Government Hwb for schools https://hwb.gov.wales/ Estyn: https://www.estyn.gov.wales/effective-practice/supporting-governors-fulfil-their-role-more-effectively Governor Support Team: governor.support@sewaleseas.org.uk Local Authority Websites
Governor PL Programme How to access Governor Training Programme and Resources Rhaglen ac Adnoddau Hyfforddi Llywodraethwyr (Cym) Direct links to playlist
Regional Governor Professional Learning Programme May 2022 - July 2023 Version: May 2022 - Introduction and Index Dear Governor Index Welcome to the EAS Governor Professional Learning Programme for the Business Plan year 2022-2023. There are three different types of activity: Use the blue hyperlinks below to reach each section (including booking instructions where required) 1. Universal: Offered to all governors and includes both Welsh Government specified mandatory training and a range of session to broaden and deepen your understanding of your role. The annual programme is found on Pages 2-4 (one for each term). Page 2: Summer 2022 Programme Page 3: Autumn 2022 Programme 2. Targeted: A range of optional programmes and networking opportunities to further develop your skills and knowledge as a governor, including the new Governor Pathways. Details are found on Page 6 with further information on Page 9. Page 4: Spring 2023 Programme 3. Bespoke: Specific professional learning for the governing body or members of the governing body based on the needs of the school. If you wish to discuss any aspect of your governing body requirements please email governor.support@sewaleseas.org.uk in the first instance. Page 5: Termly Networking Page 5: Evaluation Form Details We look forward to seeing you at as many sessions as you are able to attend. This virtual programme will be supplemented by additional face to face training and networking during the course of the year. Page 6: Governor Pathways Page 7-9: Detailed Descriptions of Each Programme Regular updates will emailed to you ready for the start of each month and shared on our Twitter account:https://twitter.com/EAS_Governors To return to the index click the EAS Logo on any page Local Authority (LA) Programmes: Each LA offers a programme for their areas of responsibility (for example Safeguarding, Finance, Additional Learning Needs, Exclusions, Human Resources). There is also a programme from GEMS (Gwent Ethnic Minority Service), offering for example information on support for learners with English / Welsh as an Additional Language (EAL). Details of each of these LA programmes are in separate documents on our Website.
Regional Governor Professional Learning Programme May 2022 July 2023 Term: Summer 2022 CURRENT TERM 1. 2. Online 1 hour workshop sessions all links below An online Playlist with PowerPoint and session video recording Please see the separate document with all links To join a session click on the blue Workshop Date and Time link below at the specified time there is no need to pre-book Workshop Date and Time Click blue link below to access Understanding your role and contribution to school development priorities The Core Role of the Governor For Workshop Date and Time - Click blue link below to access Governor Induction - Welcome to being a School Governor (Mandatory) New 17 May 2022 @ 5:00pm Creating a great school: Your role in supporting your school to improve Your role in supporting Whole School Approaches to Wellbeing and Inclusion Understanding Performance Data Primary (Mandatory for Primary Governors) (REVISED) New 27 June 2022 @ 5:00pm All All Understanding Performance Data - Secondary (Mandatory for Secondary Governors) (REVISED) New 22 June 2022 @ 5:00pm 08 June 2022 @ 5:00pm 30 June 2022 @ 5:00pm Your role as a Newly Appointed Chair (Mandatory - Chairs of Governors) New CoG 29 June 2022 @ 5:00pm Understanding and making use of EAS online resources, technology and 'Hwb (RECOMMENDED FOR ALL) Developing an Innovative Curriculum withyour school Creating a great team: Your role in supporting your staff to develop All 13 June 2022 @ 5:00pm How to deal with Complaints to the Governing Body effectively All All All 28 June 2022 @ 5:00pm Preparing for your role in Statutory Committees, as the Chair and a member (REVISED) All 26 May 2022 @ 5:00pm 05 July 2022 @ 5:00pm 21 June 2022 @ 5:00pm Preparing for your role in Headteacher Performance Management All 23 June 2022 @ 5:00pm Please contact governor.support@sewaleseas.org.uk if you want more information or are unable to access any programme Preparing for your role in Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher Recruitment and Selection (REVISED) Can be accessed as a recording on demand All
Regional Governor Professional Learning Programme May 2022 July 2023 Networking Opportunities and Evaluation Form PSIP networking meetings with individual Local Authority Governor Groups (open to all governors) Secondary School CoG network Meetings (for School Chairs / Vice Chairs) To join a session click on the blue Workshop Date and Time link below at the specified time there is no need to pre-book We will record participation using links to a brief evaluation form (computer and phone examples below) Summer Term 2022 Date and Time Click blue link below to access Autumn Term 2022 Date and Time Click blue link below to access Spring Term 2022 Date and Time Click blue link below to access Local Authority AGENDA: To be populated 2 weeks before and emailed also 08 November 2022 @ 5:00pm 09 November 2022 @ 5:00pm 15 November 2022 @ 5:00pm 16 November 2022 @ 5:00pm 22 November 2022 @ 5:00pm Blaenau Gwent 15 June 2022 @ 5:00pm 07 March 2023 @ 5:00pm Caerphilly 16 June 2022 @ 5:00pm 08 March 2023 @ 5:00pm Monmouthshire 07 June 2022 @ 5:00pm 14 March 2023 @ 5:00pm Newport 09 June 2022 @ 5:00pm 15 March 2023 @ 5:00pm Torfaen 14 June 2022 @ 5:00pm 21 March 2023 @ 5:00pm 12 October 2022 @ 5:00pm 25 January 2023 @ 5:00pm All Local Authorities 06 July 2022 @ 5:00pm AGENDA: Governor PL Evaluation Form 2022-2023 Llwodraethwr DP Gwerthuso
Regional Governor Professional Learning Programme May 2022 - July 2023 Governor Pathways How to book on to these longer term programmes Experienced Governor StartingAutumn2022 Systems Leader Governor Starting Spring 2023 Early Career Governor Starting Summer 2022 Vice Chair / Chair of Governors Starting Spring 2023 Governor Pathway Description Governor Pathways - Detailed Descriptions on Page 9 (All sessions from 4.30-6.30pm) The previous Governor Professional Learning Programme focused on a Universal Offer. This comprised of a small number of mandatory sessions, as prescribed by Welsh Government and a broad range of additional session to enable governors to undertake key aspects of the role. These programmes will continue to be accessible by any governor at any time in their service as a governor. Early Career Governor: Session 1: 10 May 2022 Session 2: 7 June 2022 Session 3: 13 September 2022 Session 4: 17 October 2022 Experienced Governor: Session 1: 4 October 2022 Session 2: 7 November 2022 Session 3: 17 January 2023 Session 4: 9 February 2023 We know however that many governors want a deeper understanding of their role, in order to effectively support and challenge their schools. The following programmes are designed to allow governors to meaningfully reflect on their core purpose and develop a broader range of leadership skills and attributes. Vice Chair / Chair of Governors Session 1: Spring 2023 (Date TBC) Session 2: Spring 2023 (Date TBC) Session 3: Spring 2023 (Date TBC) Session 4: Spring 2023 (Date TBC) Systems Leader Governor: Session 1: Spring 2023 (Date TBC) Session 2: Spring 2023 (Date TBC) Session 3: Spring 2023 (Date TBC) Session 4: Spring 2023 (Date TBC) These programmes will involve engagement over time. They are longer term programmes that will be interactive and allow discussion and reflection on the role. They will give governors the opportunity to both network with peers and hear from other more experienced colleagues. It is essential to register using the Booking Form, one week before the start of the relevant programme. You will then be sent meeting appointments.
Key Links : Playlist General / Bilingual English Welsh Governor Training Programme and Resources (Eng) Rhaglen ac Adnoddau Hyfforddi Llywodraethwyr (Cym) Governor Training Programme and Resources Governor PL Programme AND Governor Resources Governor PL Evaluation 2022-2023 Llywodraethwr DP Gwerthuso Governor PL Evaluation Form Pecyn Croeso i Lywodraethwyr Welcome Pack for NEW Governors Governor Welcome Pack Governor Welcome Pack
