To support new clerks to governing boards in schools and trusts, the National Governance Association has produced a suite of e-learning modules as well as template exemplars of key governance administration documents.
Eight new interactive ‘how to’ modules on NGA’s Learning Link platform provide a comprehensive induction for recently appointed clerks. The whole programme takes four hours to complete. It starts with an overview module before moving onto topics including arranging meetings, managing information and documents, and minuting meetings.
The modules aim to equip clerks with the basics they need to start performing standard clerking tasks in any setting – trust boards, maintained school governing bodies or the local governance tier. Building clerks’ understanding of good governance and how they can support boards with achieving this in practice, each module includes guidance and approaches to clerking tasks and reference sources and templates for practical action.
In addition, the new template and exemplar minutes and agenda are designed to help clerks effectively administer their board, acting as a starting point for new clerks and a source of comparison for boards with established documents.
The new resources complement NGA’s established level three accredited Leading Governance development for clerks programme which provides experienced clerks with the knowledge and skills needed for high-quality clerking.
Emma Balchin, director of professional development at NGA said:“It’s been a long-term aim for NGA to create resources to help new clerks begin their role confidently and proactively. Having a professional and effective clerk helps boards to perform their responsibilities well so a high-quality induction is important. Making e-learning part of the induction means that it can be accessed on demand and revisited to check understanding or access resources.”
Amy Wright, NGA’s clerking development manager:“Having one place for clerks to get everything they need from practical resources to professional development will help them to navigate their role and responsibilities more efficiently. The webpage was developed with the support and feedback from several serving governance professionals and I am very grateful for their generous input.”