The Annual Governors’ and Trustees’ Annual Conference – Why should you attend?

There is a saying that “good things come in threes”. Governors will be familiar with the three core functions of the Governing Board, set out by the Department for Education, which should underpin everything they do.

This year, we have taken these three strategic functions as the framework for our annual conference, and placed them within the very real context of the new educational landscape.

Through a series of keynote speeches and workshops, delegates will be given opportunity to reflect on how to engage with their communities, ensure educational performance, and face financial challenge, whilst networking and sharing experience and practice with Governors and Trustees from other schools.

Is your Board befitting your school’s diverse community?

It is the role of the Governing Board to ensure that the vision, ethos and strategic direction of the school are clearly defined.

Stories of international conflict coupled with social and racially-motivated unrest nearer home have without doubt had an impact on all our schools in recent times. In this context, understanding and reflecting the rich diversity of our communities at board level has never been more important.

The conference will explore recent research undertaken by the National Governance Association to help delegates make sure that the right people are shaping the school’s future from the top down.

Is your Board equipped to ensure Educational Performance?

It is the role of the Governing Board to ensure that the Headteacher and Senior Leadership team perform their responsibilities for the educational performance of the school.

Performance management is a powerful tool in holding school staff to account and setting aspirational targets for making a difference to children’s outcomes.

The conference will present the key changes introduced to the teacher appraisal process from September 2024, which senior leaders are required to adopt.

Is your Board equipped to face financial challenges?

It is the role of the Governing Board to ensure the sound, proper and effective use of the school’s financial resources.

More and more schools are facing severe financial challenges, resulting in deficit budgets, class closures and tough decision-making when agreeing staffing structures.

The conference will act as an opportunity to signpost Governors and Trustees to the tools available for exercising good financial control.

Please prioritize this opportunity to listen, reflect and share. We look forward to welcoming you.