Training
NGA Policy on training
The NGA strongly believes that if governors are going to carry out their responsibilities effectively then they need to be trained. If school governance is to be perceived as a professional undertaking then stakeholders should not shy away from the need to make some training mandatory, notably induction training for all new governors.
If training is made mandatory schools must have the freedom to choose a provider.
Local Authority Training
Most governor training is delivered by local authorities and many do a very good job.
Despite the high quality of some local authority training many local authorities report low attendances. The NGA believes that this situation is almost inevitable, given the heavy time commitment that governors already make to their schools, but the present situation should not be used as an argument against mandatory training. There are opportunities for other forms of training, both online and distance learning.
First Certificate
This programme has been developed in partnership with EduCare, expert providers of distance learning. EduCare administer and run the programme.
The programme consists of four short learning modules and corresponding questionnaires to test understanding. The programme can be completed in either a paper based or on-line format along with the options of with or without interaction. Without interaction (£15 + VAT) provides the customer with only the modular content as reference material and is not available on-line; while with interaction (£36.75 + VAT), is available paper based or on-line and includes, modular content; full marking of multiple choice questionnaires by EduCare and on successful completion a personalised EduCare/NGA certificate. The full interactive package also provides six months free individual membership of the NGA.
How to order:
The package without interaction (£15.00 + VAT) can not be ordered through the EduCare website. If you wish to purchase this package please contact the NGA Office at governorhq@nga.org.uk
The full interactive package (paper based or on-line) can be ordered via the EduCare website. More details >here<
Modern Governor
Modern Governor is a new service from Learning Pool, the public sector e-learning exchange. It is a modular on-line programme designed to help local authority school governors develop their skills. The NGA has worked with the Modern Governor writing team in the development of the materials.
Modules planned include: the Governor's role, the Chair's role, Understanding and using performance data, Inspection, Child Protection, Finance, Staffing and Performance Management, Health & Safety, Admissions, Succession Planning and Community Cohesion.
More details
>here<Taking the Chair
Taking the Chair is a flexible five module practical and problem solving programme which aims to explore the skills required to lead and manage the work of a school governing body.
Written by a team working from the Eastern Leadership Centre Partnership it is targeted at prospective and new chairs and vice-chairs of governing bodies and committees, who wish to develop their confidence and skills, and experienced chairs who are keen to review their effectiveness in the role.
It is recommended that people embarking on the distance-learning programme do so with support from their local authority or from an experienced governor mentor.
The distance learning version of Taking the Chair is available
>here<Safer Recruitment
After the double murders in Soham in 2003 the Bichard enquiry recommended that schools should adopt safer recruitment procedures. This recommendation was accepted by the government and the NCSL worked with partner organisations to develop a training package.
The Safer Recruitment Online Training provides valuable information on a safer school culture, and advice and guidance to strengthen safeguards against employing unsuitable people in schools. The training will help schools demonstrate that they have effective recruitment and selection processes in place that ensure learners are both well-taught and protected; processes which Ofsted will review through a self-evaluation form.
An FAQ about safer recruitment can be found
>here<
Information about the NCSL online training package can be found
>here<