The core functions of governance Workshop Adele Haysom

The core functions of governance: Workshop Adele Haysom November 2019

My reflection from working with a may different governing bodies • Governing Bodies approach Governance in many different ways. • Provided the end result is effective, how you get there is not judged by outside agencies (Ofsted, LA, ESFA, Df. E etc) • When things start going seriously wrong in a school, Governance will be closely scrutinised. • Agree rules for this workshop, share ideas openly, offer feedback not critism.

Df. E Governance Handbook March 2019 1. 1 The purpose of governance 1. The purpose of governance is to provide confident and strong strategic leadership which leads to robust accountability, oversight and assurance for educational and financial performance. 2. All governance boards, no matter what type of school or how many schools they govern, have three core functions: • Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction; • Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the effective and efficient performance management of staff; and • Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent.

Clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction • Working in pairs • What is your vision? • How would I know your vision and ethos when I visit your school? • Do you have a strategic plan? • How was the plan developed? • Role of the Governor?

Holding leaders to account • How do you hold leaders to account? • Visiting school? • Learning walks? • Data scrutiny? • Reporting to the Governing Board? Committees?

Overseeing financial performance: Making sure money is well spent? How do you do this in your school?