Welcome from NGA’s Chief Executive
It is a pleasure to welcome governors, trustees, governance professionals, partners and friends from across the country as we celebrate NGA's 20th anniversary. This milestone gives us an opportunity not only to look back at how governance has evolved over the past two decades, but also to recognise the dedication, expertise and public service of everyone who contributes to strong governance in schools and trusts. Thank you for joining us for what promises to be an inspiring and thought-provoking day.
Emma Balchin
Chief Executive, NGA
As you will see throughout today's programme, the story of the last twenty years is one of change. Governance has become increasingly strategic, schools and trusts have evolved, and the role of governors, trustees and governance professionals has grown in both complexity and importance. Yet one thing has remained constant: a shared commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.
The conversations we have today about meaningful local governance, technology, accountability and leadership will help shape the next chapter of governance. As schools continue to respond to the needs of their communities, strong governance that combines strategic leadership with a deep understanding of local context will be more important than ever.
As you take part in today's sessions, I encourage you to reflect on:
Welcome to the National Governance Association's National Conference 2026 — and what a milestone occasion this is.
This year marks the NGA's 20th anniversary, and it is a genuine privilege for Browne Jacobson to be part of that celebration. Over two decades, the NGA has been an unwavering champion for school governors and trustees across England, equipping those who volunteer their time with the knowledge, support and voice they need to make a real difference to children's education. That is no small thing, and it deserves to be recognised.
At Browne Jacobson, we have been a strategic partner of the NGA for over a decade and in more recent years we have also been proud sponsors of this conference. Our commitment to the education sector — and to effective governance within it — remains as strong as ever and we share the NGA's belief that well-informed, well-supported governing boards are essential to our schools and the outcomes of pupils. Indeed that is a belief that drives everything we do in our work with schools, academies and trusts nationwide.
The education landscape continues to evolve at pace, with recent significant policy developments coming thick and fast. Today's conference brings together many highly informed and experienced people in the sector to engage with those developments and their relevance to governance head-on, and I look forward to the conversations that will follow.
On behalf of everyone at Browne Jacobson, congratulations to Emma Balchin, the NGA team, and the entire governance community on this remarkable anniversary. Here's to the next twenty years.
Mark Blois, Partner, Browne Jacobson
Conference Sponsors
The National Governance Conference 2026 is delivered in partnership with organisations that share our commitment to strengthening governance, supporting school and trust leaders, and improving outcomes for children and young people.
Delivered by Emma Balchin, Chief Executive, NGA
Five workshop sessions to choose from:
Delivered by Dame Christine Gilbert DBE, Chair of the Ofsted Board
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 MBE, Leadership and School Improvement Expert
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.
Birmingham Poet Laureate 2020–2022
Chief Executive, NGA
Chair of the Ofsted Board
Leadership and School Improvement Expert
Head of New Partnerships and Engagement, Google for Education
The Allergy Team are the school allergy experts. We have launched the UK's only training course specifically for Named Allergy Governors 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 strengthens governance to improve outcomes for children, young people and adult learners. With 25+ years’ experience, we connect education organisations with skilled volunteers who bring fresh perspectives, professional expertise and community insight to help boards make effective decisions and support every learner to thrive
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
The Department for Education’s free breakfast clubs team are responsible for the upcoming national roll out of the programme to all schools with primary aged pupils. We’re keen to continue to listen to schools, answer any questions you have, and work with you to make your free breakfast clubs a success.
www.beststartinlife.gov.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) is the UK’s only national professional body and has been established and supporting the sector since 1997. We set the benchmark for effective practice through our sector-endorsed professional standards and provide a portfolio of quality-assured qualifications, training, resources, research and events.
www.isbl.org.uk
NAHT supports school leaders working at every education phase, from early years and primary to secondary, academies and independent schools. We represent school business leaders and SENCOs. We make sure your voice is heard, understood and a catalyst for change in education and at the highest levels of government.
www.naht.org.uk
Parent-Friendly Schools helps schools build stronger partnerships with parents through evidence-based accreditation, assessment, training and support. Our framework enables schools to improve attendance, wellbeing and learning outcomes by embedding effective parent participation and creating a culture of collaboration between families and educators.
www.parentfriendlyschools.org
Solar for Schools helps schools reduce energy costs and carbon emissions by installing solar panels through funded or school-owned models. We provide project development, financing options, installation, monitoring, maintenance, and curriculum-linked education, enabling schools to generate clean electricity while supporting sustainability and student learning.
www.solarforschools.co.uk
Unity Trust Bank is an independent commercial bank that uses banking to improve the lives of UK communities. Our purpose is to help create a better society. For over 40 years we have supported like-minded organisations that share our values and address social, economic and environmental needs. We offer a full range of transactional banking services, including current accounts, savings accounts and loans.
www.unity.co.ukNeed help?
If you have any questions before or during the conference, our team is here to help. Whether you need assistance with the programme, venue, accessibility or anything else, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
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Join in, network and learn from your peers: there are over 30 events a year to choose from
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