IT RIGHT?

Independent school governors are responsible for ensuring that their schools are well-led and that they provide the best possible education for their pupils.

With all the current challenges facing schools, it is more vital than ever that governance is nimble, streamlined and fit for the 21st century. However, it can be difficult to know whether your school’s governance is truly effective without an external review.

An AGBIS review can provide you with a comprehensive assessment of your school’s governance arrangements. The review will consider all aspects of governance, including:

• the role and responsibilities of the governing body, including its leadership

• the composition of the governing body

• the effectiveness of the governing body’s committees and decisionmaking processes

There are several benefits to commissioning an external review from AGBIS. These include:

• a cost-effective, independent and objective assessment of your school’s governance by fully trained and expert reviewers

• identification of key areas where governance processes and practice could be improved

• a range of recommendations to shape a plan for improvement

• increased confidence in your school’s governance

• the role of governors in determining the strategic direction of the school

• the governing body’s relationship with the headteacher and staff

• the governing body’s relationship with parents and pupils

• collective responsibility for legal, regulatory and compliance matters

• governors’ oversight and monitoring of standards

• recruitment and retention of a diverse and highly skilled set of governors

• induction and training of governors and their visibility within the school

• the role and duties of the Clerk to the Governors.

The review will identify key strengths and any areas where your school’s governance could be improved. The report will pinpoint a range of recommendations, which can then be used to develop a plan for improvement.

AGBIS is the leading professional body for independent school governors. Its team of experienced and qualified reviewers has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in all aspects of school governance.

If you are an independent school governor, clerk, head or chair, I would encourage you to consider commissioning an external review from AGBIS. It is a modest investment that will pay huge dividends in the long run.

In addition to the benefits listed above,

• improved communication between the governing body, the head and SMT, staff, parents, and pupils

• improved relationships with the other stakeholders

• a more effective school.

I would suggest that an external review from AGBIS can also help you to meet the recommendations of the Charity Governance Code 2021 and the Charity Commission (OSCR in Scotland), which is a matter of increasing importance.

We can also help to prepare you and your school for an ISI or other inspection, work with you to demonstrate to parents, pupils and others that your school is well-governed and assist you in attracting and retaining high-quality governors in the future.

If you are interested in commissioning an external review from AGBIS, please contact us today at office@agbis.org.uk or via our website at www.agbis.org.uk, where you can find more information. We would be happy to discuss your needs and provide you with a tailored quote. ●

RICHARD HARMAN is the Chief Executive of AGBIS.