Governors provide strategic leadership and accountability in schools. Governors appoint the head teacher and deputy headteacher. In some schools the site is owned by the governing board. It is the governors who hold the main responsibility for finance in the school and it is governors who work with the headteacher to make the tough decisions about balancing resources.
Governors have three core functions:
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- Holding the executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils and the performance management of staff
- Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent
For more information please see the NGA National Governance Association
The courses below all enable governors to fulfill their role:
- Governance Improvement Meetings
- Well-Being
- Governor Induction
- Competency Areas 1-5
- Further Courses
- DfE Funded courses
- Courses for Clerks
For course enquiries or general questions, please contact Sharon Siddons on 07771 252252 or sharon.siddons@dtsa.org.uk
Governance Improvement Partnership Meetings
A chance to collaborate and share practice, concerns and ideas with other governors. A facilitated discussion session looking at a theme identified by governors themselves.
Previous sessions have covered :
- Parental Engagement
- Ofsted preparation
- British Values
- The Monitoring Role
4 December 2019
25 March 2020
Facilitator: Various
Venue: Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Derby DE24 8UX
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Cost: Free for DGP Members and £30 for Non-Members. Please note there will be a charge of £25 for non-attendance by partner or non partner schools
To book, please contact Sharon Siddons on 07771 252252 or email sharon.siddons@dtsa.org.uk
General Governance Courses
Well-Being
An essential to a successful school but how do governors ensure it for staff and pupils?
A great deal is written and talked about in this area of school life and how hard it is to achieve with the constant challenges we face. What is our role here?
26 September 2019
Venue: Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Derby DE24 8UX
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Cost: £60 for DGP Members and £90 for Non-Members.
To book, please contact Sharon Siddons on 07771 252252 or email sharon.siddons@dtsa.org.uk
Governor Induction
Underpinning all of our courses is the DGP Governor Induction Programme which consists of three modules, each one covering a core strategic function as detailed in the latest DfE Governor Handbook.
We strongly urge any governor or clerk who has not followed this programme to book a place – information about the next session can be found in our regular e-newsletters or on our website.
Governors are busy people but there is a national expectation that they will keep their skills up to date and this is something Ofsted will consider.
Having followed an induction programme governors can develop their skills further by following up with other courses linked to the core strategic functions.
Three sessions plus on going mentoring
Autumn Term
1 October 2019
8 October 2019
15 October 2019
Spring Term
5 March 2020
12 March 2020
19 March 2020
Facilitator: Sandra Fletcher
Venue: Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Derby DE24 8UX
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Cost: £190 for DGP Members and £270 for Non-Members.
To book, please contact Sharon Siddons on 07771 252252 or email sharon.siddons@dtsa.org.uk
Competency Area 1 – Strategic Leadership
PARENTAL LINKS: Developing Effective Links with Parents and Carers
A strong link with parents and carers, involving them in their child’s education is a very important aspect of school life and yet one not always easily achieved. This course looks at how the governors can play a part here.
To register your interest for this bespoke course please contact Sharon Siddons on 07771 252252 or sharon.siddons@dtsa.org.uk
Venue: Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Derby DE24 8UX
Time: 7 – 9pm
Cost: £60 for DGP Members and £90 for Non-Members.
Competency Area 2 – Accountability
FINANCE: Budget Not Balancing?
Is it time to think about restructuring the staffing structure? This is an ideal session for heads, chairs and chairs of finance to get to grips with this thorny issue.
To register your interest for this bespoke course please contact Sharon Siddons on 07771 252252 or sharon.siddons@dtsa.org.uk
Venue: Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Derby DE24 8UX
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Cost: £60 for DGP Members and £90 for Non-Members.
FINANCE: Overseeing the Financial Performance of the School
Discharging this core function and looking at the implications of flat budgets. You’re your school have the financial expertise to cope in these very challenging times ahead?
25 November 2019
Venue: Flint Bishop Boardroom, St Michael’s Court, Derby DE1 3HQ
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Cost: £60 for DGP Members and £90 for Non-Members.
PLEASE NOTE THERE IS AMPLE FREE PARKING ON SITE AT THE VENUE. Park in the Flint Bishop Car Park. At the top of the of the Car Park is Reception, it’s the second door from the left. If the door is closed (i.e. you have arrived after 7pm), please press the doorbell. However, if you feel this has not been heard, please call Mark Honeybell of Flint Bishop on 07733 402664 and he will come down and let you in.
To book, please contact Sharon Siddons on 07771 252252 or email sharon.siddons@dtsa.org.uk
FINANCE: Setting a Budget and Reading a Budget Sheet
An ideal follow on from governor induction for those on the finance committee and any governor wishing to have a better understanding of the strategic financial role. What are the key elements when setting a budget and what are the things to look for when reading a budget sheet?
19 September 2019
Venue: Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Derby DE24 8UX
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Cost: £60 for DGP Members and £90 for Non-Members.
To book, please contact Sharon Siddons on 07771 252252 or email sharon.siddons@dtsa.org.uk
SCHOOL PERFORMANCE: The Governor Role in School Performance Management
One of our strategic functions is to hold the head to account for the performance management of staff. This is a fundamental system of bringing about school improvement and one which Ofsted will explore. How do you ensure your PM systems are robust? What is the governor role in this process?
To register your interest for this bespoke course please contact Sharon Siddons on 07771 252252 or sharon.siddons@dtsa.org.uk
Venue: Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Derby DE24 8UX
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Cost: £60 for DGP Members and £90 for Non-Members.
SCHOOL PERFORMANCE: Gathering First Hand Monitoring Evidence
Gain a greater understanding of the purpose of governor visits, how the evidence you gather support monitoring of the school development plan and strategic vision.
23 January 2020
Venue: Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Derby DE24 8UX
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Cost: £60 for DGP Members and £90 for Non-Members.
To book, please contact Sharon Siddons on 07771 252252 or email sharon.siddons@dtsa.org.uk
HEADTEACHER: Headteacher Appraisal
Support your head through a robust appraisal process and objectives which support the school improvement agenda.
To register your interest for this bespoke course please contact Sharon Siddons on 07771 252252 or sharon.siddons@dtsa.org.uk
Venue: Flint Bishop Boardroom, St Michael’s Court, Derby DE1 3HQ
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Cost: £60 for DGP Members and £90 for Non-Members.
PLEASE NOTE THERE IS AMPLE FREE PARKING ON SITE AT THE VENUE. Park in the Flint Bishop Car Park. At the top of the of the Car Park is Reception, it’s the second door from the left. If the door is closed (i.e. you have arrived after 7pm), please press the doorbell. However, if you feel this has not been heard, please call Mark Honeybell of Flint Bishop on 07733 402664 and he will come down and let you in.
Competency Area 3 – People
DISCIPLINE: Managing Disciplinary Panels
These may not happen often, but when they do governors need to know how to manage these correctly.
4 November 2019
Venue: Flint Bishop Boardroom, St Michael’s Court, Derby DE1 3HQ
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Cost: £60 for DGP Members and £90 for Non-Members.
PLEASE NOTE THERE IS AMPLE FREE PARKING ON SITE AT THE VENUE. Park in the Flint Bishop Car Park. At the top of the of the Car Park is Reception, it’s the second door from the left. If the door is closed (i.e. you have arrived after 7pm), please press the doorbell. However, if you feel this has not been heard, please call Mark Honeybell of Flint Bishop on 07733 402664 and he will come down and let you in.
To book, please contact Sharon Siddons on 07771 252252 or email sharon.siddons@dtsa.org.uk
Managing Complaints – Panels and Disciplinaries
They may not happen often but when they do managing these processes well requires a confident knowledgeable approach.
24 February 2020
Venue: Flint Bishop Boardroom, St Michael’s Court, Derby DE1 3HQ
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Cost: £60 for DGP Members and £90 for Non-Members.
PLEASE NOTE THERE IS AMPLE FREE PARKING ON SITE AT THE VENUE. Park in the Flint Bishop Car Park. At the top of the of the Car Park is Reception, it’s the second door from the left. If the door is closed (i.e. you have arrived after 7pm), please press the doorbell. However, if you feel this has not been heard, please call Mark Honeybell of Flint Bishop on 07733 402664 and he will come down and let you in.
To book, please contact Sharon Siddons on 07771 252252 or email sharon.siddons@dtsa.org.uk
CHAIRING: Skills of Chairing – Practical Tips for Aspiring Chairs of Governors and Chairs of Committee
An opportunity to consider the skills needed to chair an effective meeting and the essential components of a good meeting.
14 November 2019
Venue: Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Derby DE24 8UX
Time: 6pm – 9pm
Cost: £90 for DGP Members and £120 for Non-Members.
To book, please contact Sharon Siddons on 07771 252252 or email sharon.siddons@dtsa.org.uk
Competency Area 4 – Structures
GOVERNOR ROLES: Governor Roles and Responsibilities
This course will focus on the two competency areas of People and Structures; the strategic nature of board, effectuve structures, people and team working in a professional way to bring about highly effective governance.
To register your interest for this bespoke course please contact Sharon Siddons on 07771 252252 or sharon.siddons@dtsa.org.uk
Venue: Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Derby DE24 8UX
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Cost: £60 for DGP Members and £90 for Non-Members.
Competency Area 5 – Compliance
SAFEGUARDING: The Governor Role
Ofsted see safeguarding as the ‘golden thread’ which impacts on all areas of inspection. Whilst there will be designated safeguarding, ALL governors have a safeguarding responsibility. How do you discharge this vital responsibility?
To register your interest for this bespoke course please contact Sharon Siddons on 07771 252252 or sharon.siddons@dtsa.org.uk
Venue: Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Derby DE24 8UX
Time: 6pm – 9pm
Cost: £90 for DGP Members and £120 for Non-Members.
PUPIL PREMIUM: The Governor Role
An opportunity to understand how this funding can be spent. The need to be fully aware of its impact on the performance of this group of pupils in the school.
The need to evaluate spending and be well prepared for conversations with Ofsted.
This covers Competency Areas 2 and 5
16 January 2020
Venue: Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Derby DE24 8UX
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Cost: £60 for DGP Members and £90 for Non-Members.
To book, please contact Sharon Siddons on 07771 252252 or email sharon.siddons@dtsa.org.uk
SEND: The Role of the SEND Governor
SEND is the responsibility of ALL governors, not just the designated governor. How does your governing body discharge the responsibility? Understand the principles of inclusion and how to champion the needs of SEND children in your school.
30 January 2020
Venue: Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Derby DE24 8UX
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Cost: £60 for DGP Members and £90 for Non-Members.
To book, please contact Sharon Siddons on 07771 252252 or email sharon.siddons@dtsa.org.uk
LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN: The Governor Role
How to approach this responsibility, the importance of assessment needs and appropriate support and provision for this very vulnerable group.
10 February 2020
Venue: Flint Bishop Boardroom, St Michael’s Court, Derby DE1 3HQ
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Cost: £60 for DGP Members and £90 for Non-Members.
PLEASE NOTE THERE IS AMPLE FREE PARKING ON SITE AT THE VENUE. Park in the Flint Bishop Car Park. At the top of the of the Car Park is Reception, it’s the second door from the left. If the door is closed (i.e. you have arrived after 7pm), please press the doorbell. However, if you feel this has not been heard, please call Mark Honeybell of Flint Bishop on 07733 402664 and he will come down and let you in.
To book, please contact Sharon Siddons on 07771 252252 or email sharon.siddons@dtsa.org.uk
Further Courses
Schools Exclusion – Getting It Right
Getting the exclusion process right can be a minefield. For every school it is a last resort, but if you don’t get the procedure right it can easily become a disaster, even when the facts are plain. This training offers a practical guide to the law and process.
A course for Head Teachers, Chairs of Governors, Governors, Clerks, and Independent Review Panel members. This is a practical guide for everyone involved in the exclusions process – whether permanent or fixed term. It will also take account of the recommendations in Edward Timson’s review of the exclusion process.
John Walker, Education Solicitor with Flint Bishop has over 20 years as a solicitor advising schools and governors about exclusions appeals. He has clerked appeals, sat as chair of panels and advised many headteachers about the process they have to follow.
The course will focus on breathing life into the 2017 Exclusion Guidance by considering:-
• DfE guidance on school discipline and pupil-behaviour policies
• The importance on in school policies and how they are followed
• The process of investigation
• The decision to exclude – fixed or permanent
• The SEN adviser
• Managed Moves and Fair Access
• The mechanics of exclusion
• The role of clerks of governing bodies, heads, governors and IRPs
• Decision making, notification and procedure
• The importance of policy and procedure
• The Local Authority role
• The powers of the IRP
• Natural Justice and the Human Rights Act
• The Equality Act 2010
• Pitfalls and bear traps
• Practical case studies
24 September 2019
Venue: Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Derby DE24 8UX
Time: 6pm – 9pm
Cost: £90
To book, please contact Sharon Siddons on 07771 252252 or email sharon.siddons@dtsa.org.uk
The Changing Educational Landscape in Various Tiers of Governance
This evening will focus on our changing educational landscape. Governance is an important role, and one that is being altered quite considerably by the creation of multi academy trusts, where legal authority for Governance lies with the Trustees. Although Governors are not required to have an educational background, clearly anything that they understand about the education system – and the amount of changes witnessed in the last decade – can help to support the work that they do in schools in their own particular context. If you are confused about the different layers of Governance, and legal authority between directors, members, trustees, and governors then this is the evening for you!
11 July 2019
3 October 2019
13 February 2020
Venue: Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Derby DE24 8UX
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Cost per session: DGP Members Free / Non-members £30
To book, please contact Sharon Siddons on 07771 252252 or email sharon.siddons@dtsa.org.uk
DfE Funded Courses
NGA Leading Governance Programme for Chairs
DGP is working with the NGA to deliver the National Training Programme for Chairs of Governors and Aspiring Chairs (also appropriate for vice chairs and chairs of committees). This programme has been developed by the National College for Teaching and Leadership / DfE to develop leadership skills with school improvement as a key theme. It has been designed to help you focus on the essential elements of being an effective chair. Please see www.leadinggovernance.org for more details.
Cost: £399
There are DfE scholarships available. Please see the NGA website or contact Sharon to discuss your immediate requirements at sharon.siddons@dtsa.org.uk
NGA Leading Governance Programme for Clerks
Level 3 Certificate in Clerking of School and Governing Boards
This accredited NGA Leading Governance Development for Clerks school and trust settings. It helps develop the knowledge and skills needed for high-quality clerking.
This programme offers a blend of flexible learning over approximately a nine month period. Led by experienced facilitators, participants will attend workshops and access effective one-to-one mentoring throughout the duration of this programme. Learning will be both group-led and independent.
Cost: £350
Some DfE funding is available and the programme will cost £75 if you are eligible. Please contact NGA to enquire about eligibility.
Contact Sharon to discuss your immediate requirements at sharon.siddons@dtsa.org.uk
Courses for Clerks
Administration
Writing Effective agendas and Minutes for Clerks
Minutes are an important record of the governing body’s work. Good minutes help governing bodies structure their work and make sure the stautory work is complete effectively so that there is time for generative conversations.
To register your interest for this bespoke course please contact Sharon Siddons on 07771 252252 or sharon.siddons@dtsa.org.uk
Venue: Flint Bishop Boardroom, St Michael’s Court, Derby DE1 3HQ
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Cost: £60 for DGP Members and £90 for Non-Members.
PLEASE NOTE THERE IS AMPLE FREE PARKING ON SITE AT THE VENUE. Park in the Flint Bishop Car Park. At the top of the of the Car Park is Reception, it’s the second door from the left. If the door is closed (i.e. you have arrived after 7pm), please press the doorbell. However, if you feel this has not been heard, please call Mark Honeybell of Flint Bishop on 07733 402664 and he will come down and let you in.