Request a demo of Governance now
Request a demo
Governance is the backbone of any organisation, providing the structure and processes necessary for effective decision-making, accountability, and transparency.
In addition to core competencies expected of any Governor, within School Governance there are a variety of specialist competencies that are critical to success including:
In this blog post we will explore each of these competencies and provide tips on how to stay up-to-date with the current thinking in each area.
By maintaining a proactive approach and dedicating time to staying informed, professionals in governance can effectively adapt to the ever-evolving landscape and continue to deliver exceptional support and services to those in need. Taking up training and certifications in these can help keep you up-to-date with the current thinking and trends in all specific areas of knowledge.
There are numerous training providers that can assist with continuous professional development, including Governors for Schools that provides individual course training options as well as the National Governance Association (NGA) that have an exhaustive list of courses with various modules available.
Besides learning and professional development, actively engaging in reflective practice and regularly reviewing one's own governance processes through self evaluation can help identify areas for improvement and ensure alignment with the most current thinking in specialist governance competencies.
Lastly, subscribing to reputable industry publications, scholarly journals, can also provide valuable insights into emerging theories and developments. Networking with other professionals in the field and participating in industry associations and discussion groups can facilitate the exchange of ideas and knowledge, which can lead to a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape.
There are countless avenues to take when staying abreast of current knowledge in specialist areas
SEND is an essential competency for any organisation that works with children or young adults. This competency involves understanding the legal framework and policy guidance surrounding SEND, as well as the practical implications of supporting students with SEND. Modules such as the ones offered on the NGA website can be immensely helpful to stay up-to-date with competencies for SEND. One example is their governance of SEND which is an eLearning module.
In order to stay abreast of current thinking in specialist governance competencies such as SEND it is crucial to engage in continuous professional development (CPD).
Safeguarding is another critical competency within governance, particularly for organisations that work with children, young adults, or individuals with disabilities. This competency involves understanding the legal and policy framework for safeguarding, identifying potential risks to individuals, and developing appropriate strategies for managing those risks.
Financial management isa core competency within governance. This competency involves understanding financial regulations and requirements, developing and managing budgets, and ensuring financial transparency and accountability.
In order to stay abreast of current thinking in specialist governance competencies such as Financial Management, it is imperative for professionals to engage in continuous learning and networking activities.
Taking on a training course such as one specifically curated for Finance for School Governors which is an eLearning option that includes training in duties placed on governors in the English state school system and in which governors in all jurisdictions may find elements helpful.
Performance management is another critical competency within governance, particularly where performance metrics are utilised to evaluate success. This competency involves setting clear goals and objectives, measuring and evaluating performance, and developing strategies for continuous improvement.
Health and safety are a fundamental competency within governance. This competency involves understanding health and safety regulations and requirements, identifying potential risks, and developing appropriate strategies for managing those risks.
Finally, data management is a critical competency within governance, particularly in today's data-driven world. This competency involves understanding data regulations and requirements, collecting and analysing data, and using data to inform decision-making.
By adopting these strategies and practices, governance boards and their members can stay up to date with current thinking.
