Training
Governors are aware of the importance of training to maintain and further develop effective governance. To this end, training takes place increasingly at Board of Governors’ meetings where there are opportunities for governors to question presenters and to be informed on topics directly related to the college. Presentations, by staff, and by students, also promote understanding and co-operation within the whole college community.
Provision is also made for training sessions delivered by outside agencies if the need arises.
A schedule of training sessions is also provided by Shrewsbury Diocese which governors are encouraged to attend. These cover all aspects of governance and include updates on mandatory areas. Training of new Foundation governors is compulsory on appointment.
Every member of the governing body has membership of the NGA and the Key for school governors. The usefulness of online training is regularly referred to at meetings.
The minutes of meetings record when, and what type of training has taken place. To date, examples of training include data interpretation, changes to exam grading, Exclusions and understanding the Prevent duty, the latter being delivered by staff trained to train other staff. Governors will join staff in receiving this training.
Self-Evaluation
The Board undergoes a thorough evaluation of its performance, collectively, at its final meeting of the academic year. Based on the ‘Twenty Questions for Governors’, but pertinent to SJP as a Diocesan Academy, discussion centres on how effectively business has been carried out, identifies areas for development and agrees action where necessary.
Governor Departmental Links
A programme has been put in place whereby individual governors meet with staff to discuss pupil progress in all areas of the curriculum. Documented guidance and reporting forms are in place to facilitate reports to the Board of Governors.
As time goes on, reviews of training requirements will take place to enable CPD for governors to be assessed and acted upon.