Panel work programme

At a glance

This programme aims to give governors, trustees, and governance professionals an understanding and approach which can apply to any of the varied types of governance panel. It is part of our advanced practice programme for governance professionals.

You will cover:

what an effective review panel looks like

the regulatory frameworks

the process and timelines for panels

what is expected of you and others

how to prepare for an effective panel and the steps to be taken afterwards

the basis on which a decision should be made

Study time

45 minutes per module

Certificate upon completion of each module

Programme modules

Panel work: an introduction

Getting panel work right is an important aspect of governance. A poorly organised panel meeting with unsuitable, untrained panel members, late or missing paperwork, poor understanding and application of the relevant law and regulation is unlikely to lead to a good decision, respected by all. It will also leave parties, clerk or panel member with a bad impression of how the process works.

This module provides a general introduction to the typical process of panel work for all types of panel. It provides practical, informed guidance as to what governors and trustees and the clerk need to do at all stages of the process from identifying the relevant regulatory framework, selecting the right panel, conducting the meeting itself all the way to understanding how to approach the making and communication of the decision.

How to: run an effective admissions appeal panel

Involvement as a clerk, panel member or chair in an admissions appeal can be challenging work. A refusal of a place at a first-choice school will often and understandably prompt parents and their children to challenge using the right of appeal but there may be justifiable reasons for the refusal.

Adjudicating an appeal requires an understanding of the law and practice of admissions and appeals as well as the roles of those involved and the law expects that those who do to have received suitable training.

Using a step-by-step walk-through approach and a case study of an appeal that requires application of the 2-stage decision process, this module provides an introduction as to how panel members, panel chairs and clerks can fulfill their roles effectively. It also highlights where further study may be needed and provides useful examples of questions to ask and templates to use.

How to: run an effective complaints review panel

Resolving complaints brought by parents and others in a fair and transparent way is a key governance function. Sitting on or clerking a complaints review panel can be a daunting prospect given the range of complaints possible and the feelings and sensitivities involved. Being required to attend a panel can be equally daunting for the complainant, staff and pupils.

Using a step-by-step walk-through approach and a case study of a typical complaint arising out of the alleged bullying of a pupil, this module demonstrates comprehensively how panel members, panel chairs and clerks can fulfill their roles effectively at each stage. It also provides useful examples of questions to ask and templates to use.

It summarises the law, guidance and policies all will need to follow and explore how a three-step approach will give the panel the confidence to use the evidence to reach a sound decision.

How to: run an effective HR review panel

Governing boards at all types of school are required to adopt employment policies and procedures. From time to time the board may need to establish panels to exercise its functions relating to the pay, grievance, conduct and discipline, capability, suspension or dismissal of individual members of school staff.

Using a step-by-step walk-through approach and a case study of an example review panel, this module will support you through the process and general principles of an effective HR panel.

How to: review suspensions and exclusions

Updated This module has been updated in line with the latest statutory guidance on 07/09/23.

Sitting on or clerking a permanent exclusion panel can be a daunting prospect given the high stakes for the pupil and the complexity of the law and regulation. Being required to attend a panel can be equally daunting for senior executive leaders, pupils and parents.

Using a step-by-step walk-through and a case study of the headteacher’s decision to permanently exclude a pupil, this module demonstrates comprehensively how panel members, panel chairs and clerks can fulfill their roles effectively at each stage. It also provides useful examples of questions to ask and templates to use.

It summarises the law, guidance and policies all will need to follow and explore how a three-step approach will give the panel the confidence to use the evidence to reach a sound decision.

Before you begin

It would be helpful for you to have completed:

Introduction to Clerking Programme

Claire Mitchell

NGA Consultant

Claire is an NGA consultant, delivers sessions for NGA Training, and facilitates on the NGA Leading Governance development programmes for chairs and clerks. Claire is passionate about supporting trustees and governors in their volunteer roles, and has a wealth of experience working in academy and maintained school settings. Claire has over a decade of experience within education and skills and has held a number of senior leadership roles within education, including managing ESFA funded learning provision in excess of £10 million for 150+ education and skills providers. Claire also has experience as a designated safeguarding lead.

Erica Wilson

NGA Consultant

Erica is an NGA consultant, delivering training and facilitating the Leading Governance development programme for clerks. Erica trained as a local authority clerk and has been an independent clerk since 2013 and has worked with local authorities and academy trusts, developing and delivering training to clerks. She has extensive experience of clerking panels, disciplinary investigations and has served as a school governor herself.