Weekly e-newsletter 19/12/2025
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Celebrating our collective impact in 2025
As we close out the year with this final newsletter, I’ve been reflecting on what makes this community of governors, trustees and governance professionals so extraordinary. One-word shines through: responsibility, not as a burden, but as a privilege. Together, you have shaped inclusive cultures, set ambitious visions, and ensured that every child can thrive.
Governance often happens quietly, but its influence is powerful. Every thoughtful question, every tentative suggestion, every nudge toward improvement, however small, adds up to real, lasting change. This year, those small steps have combined into something remarkable; change driven by committed governance volunteers and professionals working side by side for the good of children and young people. You will see it in the experiences and outcomes of perhaps one pupil, or a change in policy that aligns with a more inclusive culture.
Alongside this impact, our advocacy on your behalf over 2025 has brought much progress, and through your contributions and collaboration, governance continues to be recognised as the first line of accountability. One that values context, lived experience and shared responsibility. Your leadership has kept inclusion, SEND and staff wellbeing at the heart of our work. I am inspired daily by the care, curiosity and courage this community demonstrates.
Looking ahead to 2026, we have even more to celebrate as NGA marks its twentieth anniversary – a milestone that reflects decades of growing recognition for governance, the work you do and its vital role in education. We remain committed to empowering you with practical tools and advice, learning opportunities and elevating your strong collective voice.
We’re also strengthening our digital offer with three new tools to make governance smarter and faster: NGA Assist, our AI-powered assistant available now; an upgraded Learning Link platform launching in March 2026; and a new Board Management Solution to simplify board administration later in the year.
Thank you for everything you give. Together, we are not just shaping governance – we are shaping a brighter future for education. Here’s to all we’ve achieved and all that’s to come!
Emma Balchin, Chief Executive, and the NGA team 🎄
Shape your strategy in 2026 with support from NGA
With the spring term approaching, it is an ideal time to commission an external review of governance (ERG). Scheduling a review for the spring gives your school or trust time to reflect on its findings and begin making changes before the new academic year.
If your board is not yet ready for an ERG, our facilitated board self-review service offers structured support. An NGA consultant will help you create an action plan to strengthen governance.
Trusts planning to grow in 2026 can benefit from a review of local governance as part of their due diligence. This provides clarity on the standard of governance in the school you are set to inherit, and we offer several options to suit different settings.
We also recommend all boards hold a strategy day in the summer term to set priorities for the year ahead. Our consultants can facilitate your away day and help your board to establish a clear strategy for your school or trust.
Governance Essentials: start the year with confidence
Our new Governance Essentials series is designed for new and returning governors and trustees who want to make a strong start and contribute meaningfully from day one.
These four specialist programmes focus on the real-world challenges of governance, offering clear, practical guidance tailored to your setting. With interactive virtual workshops, expert facilitation and scenario-based learning, participants build the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and understand their responsibilities.
MAT Trustees Governance Essentials and SAT Trustees Governance Essentials are open for booking for the spring term now, while MAT Local Governance Essentials and Maintained Schools Governance Essentials can be commissioned to meet your school’s or trust’s needs.
Top resources for the spring term: focus on finance
- Learn how school and trust funding works, from revenue and capital funding to premiums and income generation
- Make sure every purchase secures value for money with our guide to procurement in schools and trusts
- Prepare for budget setting, understand the process boards should follow and how to scrutinise proposals
Making governance matter – Spring 2026 events
Our Spring events programme is designed to inform, connect and inspire you.
21 January, 4.30pm to 5.30pm
Connect with peers and explore the challenges facing governing boards this academic year.
Local Associations Network Meeting
9 February, 6pm to 7.30pm
Share successes and challenges with other executive/steering group members of local associations.
10 February, 4.30pm to 6pm
Join colleagues for discussion focused on financial efficiency in schools and trusts.
25 February, 4.30pm to 6pm
Exchange information, discuss good practice and explore new ideas.
Seasonal office hours
NGA offices will close at 1pm on Wednesday 24 December and reopen on Friday 2 January.
From Friday 2 January, our normal office hours will resume and you can contact us between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Wishing you a restful festive break and a happy new year.