Training and development programme 2024 - 2025
New governor induction programme
Southwark’s new governor induction consists of seven modules, covering the three core functions of the governing board and explaining governors' roles and responsibilities in overseeing the school curriculum, school finance, safeguarding, staffing and the provision of education to children with special educational needs and disabilities.
The induction programme is offered on a termly basis. Apart from modules one and two, which follow in sequence, the remaining modules are 'stand alone' sessions and governors can mix and match the modules between the series, as convenient. If you are a newly appointed or elected governor, or are looking for a refresher then this course is for you.
Module one: Governors’ roles and responsibilities (part 1)
Tuesday 1 October 2024 at 18:00 to 19:30 virtual
Friday 24 January 2025 at 10:00 to 11:30 virtual
Tuesday 20 May 2025 at 18:00 to 19:30 virtual
Discover your main roles and explore key aspects of school governance:
• the place of the governing body within the education system
• the composition of the governing body
• the governing body’s three core functions – ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction; holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the school and the effective and efficient performance management of staff and overseeing the financial performance of the school
• collective responsibility and confidentiality; governance versus management
Module two: Governors’ roles and responsibilities (part 2)
Thursday 3 October 2024 at 18:00 to 19:30 virtual
Friday 24 January 2025 at 13:00 to 14:30 virtual
Thursday 22 May 2025 at 18:00 to 19:30 virtual
Further explores strategies and mechanisms for exercising the governing body’s main powers and duties discussed in module one:
• the school improvement cycle – monitoring and self-evaluation; support and challenge
• planning and making the most of your school visits
• gathering relevant information and documentation including the Headteacher’s report
• conduct of meetings: planning your agendas and dealing with jargon
• ensuring accountability
Module three: School curriculum (all phases)
Monday 07 October 2024 at 18:00 to 19:30 virtual
Monday 27 January 2025 at 18:00 to 19:30 virtual
Monday 02 June 2024 at 18:00 to 19:30 virtual
Examines the governors’ role in overseeing the structure and delivery of the school curriculum (introduces the early years foundation stage, primary and secondary phases):
• definition of the curriculum
• the national curriculum
• clarifying the governors' role
• monitoring and evaluating the curriculum
Module four: Special educational needs and disability (SEND)
Wednesday 09 October 2024 at 18:00 to 19:30 virtual
Tuesday 04 March 2025 at 18:00 to 19:30 virtual
Monday 09 June 2025 at 18:00 to 19:30 virtual
Outlines the responsibilities of the governing body for overseeing the provision of education to children with special educational needs and disabilities. It covers:
• inclusive school
• Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, the Local Offer, the new Code of Practice, personal budgets and funding
• the future of SEND
• the role of the governing body, the link governor and others
Module five: HR framework
Tuesday 15 October 2024 at 18:00 to 19:30 virtual
Monday 10 February 2025 at 18:00 to 19:30 virtual
Monday 16 June 2025 at 18:00 to 19:30 virtual
Introduces the personnel framework within which schools and governors operate:
• staffing structure and appointments, including safer recruitment, equal opportunities, disability and discrimination legislation
• staff dismissal - discipline and capability procedures; grievance procedure
• teacher appraisal and pay, including the Headteacher's performance appraisal.
*Academies or free schools do not have to abide by the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document however many choose to follow its recommendations
Module six: Finance in maintained schools
Tuesday 22 October 2024 at 18:00 to 19:30 virtual
Wednesday 12 February 2025 at 18:00 to 19:30 virtual
Monday 23 June 2025 at 18:00 to 19:30 virtual
Explains the governors’ role and responsibilities for overseeing the financial management in their schools. Topics covered:
• schools financial regulations
• overview of school funding and the annual cycle
• budget setting and monitoring
• the role of the governing body, school and the Local Authority
Module seven: Safeguarding (Introduction)
Monday 04 November 2024 at 18:00 to 19:30 virtual
Tuesday 25 Februray 2025 at 18:00 to 19:30 virtual
Tuesday 01 July 2024 at 18:00 to 19:30 virtual
Governing bodies are required to ensure that schools work to safeguard pupils and promote their welfare. They need to consider child protection procedures alongside strategies to reduce the risk of harm. This session examines:
- The principles of safeguarding children and young people (and 18+ learners)
- The legal responsibilities of governors
- The DfE expectations of governing bodies
- Which pupils are at greatest risk and why
- Risk outside of the home - including online safety and contextual risks
- Safe professional practice
- How will you know that it's happening?
Target audience: Governors who have undertaken no previous safeguarding or child protection training