Governance Professionals Network - Autumn 2026
Join us for our autumn network meeting on 29 September 2026 from 10am – 11:15am.
Delivered by Browne Jacobson's Mark Blois, the session will provide your essential legal update for the beginning of the academic year including key changes in the Academy Trust Handbook and Keeping Children Safe in Education, progress towards enactment of the white paper changes, and any practical steps governance professionals should be taking. Ruth Agnew will also update you regarding the continued development of NGA's Governance Professional Offer. There will be an opportunity to submit questions for Mark in advance of the session.
This network is open to clerks and other governance professionals working in schools and trusts and we look forward to welcoming you.
Please book early to secure your place at the event.
Your session leads
Mark Blois
Founding Partner, Education Team at Browne Jacobson LLP
Mark is a leading expert in education law and governance and has been recommended as a leader in his field for almost 20 years in Chambers and Legal 500. Chambers ranks him as one of only two lawyers ranked in Band One nationally for recommended schools lawyers. Legal 500 includes him in their Hall of Fame, which highlights law firm partners who are at the pinnacle of the profession.
Read Mark's full biography
Ruth Agnew MBE
Strategic Lead for Governance Professionals
As Strategic Lead for Governance Professionals, Ruth is responsible for championing and supporting the role of governance professionals across the education sector. She oversees the organisation’s offer to governance professionals, including the development and delivery of professional development programmes, publications and the management of network meetings and conferences.
View Ruth's full profile