End of Another Term
Dear Colleagues/Governors,
Firstly, thank you to all of you who attended the recent 2016 Stockport Governor Conference. This was the best attended conference that we have hosted with the LA, which was one of our key objectives. Considering we clashed with the NGA North West Regional Conference (attracting some 50% more delegates!), this was an impressive turnout.
Unfortunately, we fell well short on another one of our aims, which was to get representation from every governing board in Stockport. Undertaking continuing ‘professional’ development should be a key part of being a governor/trustee and we will continue to encourage representation from as many governing bodies as possible at these events. The expectation on governance in the White Paper, Educational Excellence Everywhere, will only reinforce this.
We have yet to fully analyse the feedback from the conference, but what was expressed to us on the day was overwhelmingly positive and we hope that you all found it useful. We would welcome any additional comments that you would like to make through the website.
The main issue for us all as governors is obviously the recent White Paper, referred to above. Even if you oppose the academisation of the school system and intend to campaign against it, no governing board can ignore the issue. This is going to bring about a seismic change to the educational landscape and the sooner you start discussing it and making plans to deal with it the better. The theme of the conference was ‘Better Together’ and we made sure that one of the workshops focussed on schools working together, because that is the future we are facing. It is extremely unlikely that any school that has not yet converted will be able to do so on their own. They will either have to convert as a group of schools, or join an existing Multi Academy Trust, so it would be much better to plan for this than to have a ‘solution’ imposed on you.
We will continue to monitor this and provide updates when necessary, but in the meantime, would recommend you read this briefing document on the White Paper (read it Here-)(if you are a member of the NGA, they also have a briefing document on their site). Directly in terms of governance, this is what the White Paper sets out:
A number of measures aimed at strengthening the quality of governance are included in the White Paper. The DfE will:
- Set even stronger expectations on governing boards to fill skills gaps and to ensure that all those governing are properly inducted and undertake continuing profession development.
- Develop a new competency framework for governance.
- Establish a database of all governors - and legislate to bar ‘unsuitable’ individuals from governing in maintained schools (this is already possible in academies).
The DfE supports voluntary trusteeship but raises idea that in the future larger MATs may seek to remunerate the chair of their board.
Something for us all to ponder on!
Best Regards
Stu Foster
Chair
Govas
Become a GOVAS Management Committee Member - we are a happy and contented bunch, but we could do with a few more friends. We meet three, or four, times a year, usually at the Town Hall. Our main visible event is the conference, but we also meet with council officers once a term and represent governors on a number of committees and we are looking to establish workshops/seminars to complement the LA training programme. To join the management committee, you do not need to have been a governor for over ten years, have a beard, or wear sandals. You do not need to be a Chair of governors, or even aspire to be. We just want governors who are prepared to give up a bit more of their time; to provide a fresh outlook; and to be able to speak up for governors within and outside of Stockport. Please contact us through admin@govas.org.uk
