Welcome from NGA’s Chief Executive
We are so thrilled at the opportunities today’s event holds. Bringing together our members from across the country, valued partners, honoured guests, and the dedicated NGA staff team, this event is such a valuable opportunity to pause, share ideas, exchange views and experiences and learn from each other.
Emma Balchin
Chief Executive, NGA
The theme of this year’s conference is about celebrating the role governance plays in the system – our ‘case for governance’ is about gaining recognition for the critical role you play in ensuring schools and trusts are accountable, responsive to local needs, and crucial in improving outcomes.
Our ambition is to ensure all planned reforms hold governance at their heart and that policymakers see you as a critical cog in system change.
Our Annual Survey report, launched today, provides evidence to support the changes we advocate for. We also champion ‘distributed leadership communities’ that recognise the shared responsibility between governance, educational, and business leadership.
We will also reflect on recently published research demonstrating a strong appetite for community-focused collaborations.
As you listen to our speakers, we invite you to reflect on:
Reception sponsored by Browne Jacobson
Let’s make today a great day as we embrace updates and adapt in our ever-changing context.
"I am delighted that Browne Jacobson is again collaborating with the NGA on this important conference, the National Governance Conference for Schools and Trusts. Effective governance provides strategic leadership and is central to the promotion of high standards and efficient allocation of resources. The particular challenges and opportunities that arise in the context of governance in the schools and trusts sector continue to merit the specialised focus of this conference."
"This year, the conference will again offer an engaging and diverse range of keynotes and workshops delivered and hosted by expert speakers, as well as providing valuable networking opportunities for attendees."
Mark Blois, Partner, Browne Jacobson
The Allergy Team are the school allergy experts. We have launched the UK's only training course specifically for Designated Allergy Leads and have built an allergy resource and training hub for schools. We also run the Schools Allergy Register, a published list of schools meeting best practice in allergy management.
www.theallergyteam.com
The Association of Education Advisers (AoEA) envisions every school and education provider having access to high-quality, independent support focused on improving outcomes. To achieve this, AoEA created an accredited quality standard for those who support and enable school improvement and a community to share great school improvement practices.
www.aoea.co.uk
ASCL is the leading professional association and trade union for all school, college and trust leaders. We are proud to support and represent more than 25,000 leaders of primary, secondary and post-16 education. We work to shape education policy, provide advice and support to members and deliver first-class professional development.
www.ascl.org.uk
Boards for Education (formerly Governors for Schools) is a charity that exists to improve educational outcomes for children, young people, and adult learners by strengthening governance. With more than 25 years’ experience and a national network of partners, they connect schools, academy trusts, colleges, and education charities across England and Wales with skilled, independent volunteers.
www.boardsforeducation.org.uk
Practical support from sector-leading education lawyers and HR experts. Browne Jacobson is one of the leading law firms operating in the sector. Our education team deliver a comprehensive portfolio of legal and HR services to schools, academies, universities and local authorities nationally.
www.brownejacobson.com
At Climate Ambassadors, we onboard and train volunteers enthusiastic about education and taking climate action in their local community. Together, we work with education settings across England on developing and progressing their climate action plans.
www.climateambassadors.org.uk
FFT Education is a not-for-profit organisation helping schools and trusts raise pupil aspirations and drive improvement through high-quality data, assessment and teaching resources. Founded in 2001, FFT's expertise spans phonics, tutoring and literacy intervention, underpinned by deep analytical insight into pupil and school performance.
www.fft.org.uk
The Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL) builds on over 40 years of leadership in school business management. Originating from pioneering state school business leaders and continuing the National College’s work, ISBL champions the professionalisation of school business professionals, whose expertise is essential in today’s increasingly complex and accountable education system.
www.isbl.org.uk
NAHT is the definitive voice of school leaders, representing head teachers, executive leaders and senior leaders across the UK. We support school leaders through expert advice, representation, training and development.
www.naht.org.uk
Solar for Schools helps schools reduce energy costs and carbon emissions through funded solar energy solutions, while creating engaging learning opportunities around sustainability and climate action.
www.solarforschools.co.ukFive workshop sessions to choose from:
Delivered by Christine Gilbert
Christine Gilbert, Chair of the Ofsted Board delivers a keynote address.
Drawing on her experience as a headteacher and chair of a range of organisations, Christine Gilbert reflects on why governance matters and the difference it makes to leadership, accountability and improvement. Using examples from across her career, including her time as Independent Chair of Camden Learning, she will explore the vital role governance plays in supporting successful organisations.
Five workshop sessions to choose from:
Delivered by Evelyn Forde
Exploring how governance decisions shape the lived experiences of leaders, staff, pupils and families.
This keynote challenges boards to move beyond compliance and reflect on leadership, representation and fairness.
Conference Compere
Chief Executive, NGA
Chair of the Ofsted Board
Keynote Speaker
