Governance

DIRECTED TRAINING - You must complete this training (click on the links below).

Introduction to Governance. please see Governance category. This 2-hour session will outline the key information you need when taking on the role as a governor. You will learn about the big picture of governance, and the way that we work in the WHP Trust.

For Safeguarding and Attendance.  please see Safeguarding and Attendance category or please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if have any questions or queries.

Introduction to MAT Governance, This 2-hour session will outline the key information you need when taking on the role as a trustee. You will gain an understanding of MAT governance and core governance functions, the accountability of the board, roles and responsibilities of trustees, ethical governance and the trust’s vision, values and strategic priorities.  Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


OTHER RECOMMENDED/AVAILABLE TRAINING 

Please also see listed below ad hoc training avaiable:

For all other Governance please go to the Upcoming Courses, category: Governance


The Governors role in HR processes.Target group: Members of the governing body.

This session is available on an ad hoc basis. The session explains the governor's role at hearings/appeals i.e. being part of a panel at an employee hearing. 

As requested, via Teams Please contact  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


Holding to account: How to question and challenge. Target group: All governors. 

This e-learning module explores how governing boards provide effective challenge and when a conversation is needed. 

Available online at any time (15 mins) 

Holding to account: how to question and challenge | National Governance Association


Holding to account: how to conduct a courageous conversation.  Target group: All governors

This bitesize e-learning module explains how to prepare for and approach difficult conversations in a professional manner.

Available online at any time (15 mins) 

Holding to account: how to conduct a courageous conversation | National Governance Association


Progress and attainment: using your data.Target group: All governors. 

This module explores the role of performance data in holding leaders to account to improve pupil outcomes

Available online at any time (1 hour)

Progress and attainment: using your data | National Governance Association


Welcome to Governance LIVE.Target Group: New governors

These interactive virtual sessions have been developed specifically to help new governors make an impact in the first six months as a new governor.

8th October 16:00 – 17:45

Online National Governance Association


Monitoring and evaluation. Target Group: All governors.

This module has been designed to equip you with the relevant skills to evaluate your school performance effectively, in order to make a real difference.

Available online at any time (55 mins)  Monitoring and evaluation | National Governance Association


SEND governance: monitoring. Target Group: All governors

Build your understanding of SEND provision, your legal duties, and what makes for effective monitoring and oversight.

Guidance and tools available to download  SEND governance monitoring tool | National Governance Association


Working effectively with school leaders: guidance for link governors. Target Group: All governors.

This webinar will provide you with expert insight into the role and responsibilities of the link governor, with practical advice on working effectively with leaders to understand how strategic objectives are being met, money is being spent, and particular issues are affecting delivery. Available online with National College at any time (1 hour)  Guidance for Link Governors: Working with School Leaders


Governors: making the most of governor visits to drive improvement. Target Group: All governors.

This webinar provides guidance on optimising school visits to effectively drive school improvement. It will equip governors with strategies to contribute to the school’s progress and success, explaining how to conduct purposeful visits, observe key areas, ask insightful questions, and collaborate with leaders to support ongoing improvement. 

Available online with National College at any time (52 mins)  School Visits to Drive Improvement


Governors and trustees: engaging with parents and the community. Target Group: All governors.

An expert overview of the responsibilities of governors in schools explaining how you can maximise opportunities to engage the whole school community, including parents and carers, and support leaders and staff within your setting.

Available online with National College at any time (52 mins)  Engaging with Parents, Carers & the Wider School Community


Certificate in equality, diversity & inclusion for secondary schools (2024-2025). Target Group: All governors, especially EDI link governors.

This course provides you with the knowledge and skills you need to ensure your workplace is meeting its legal requirements in equality and diversity and is promoting a more tolerant, inclusive and diverse working environment. 

Available online with National College at any time (30 mins) Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Training Course & Certificate


Ethical School Governance: Trust, Integrity, Leadership.

Target Group: All governors, especially Chairs and Vice-Chairs. 

This webinar will provide you with expert guidance on evaluating your educational setting's governance using an ethical lens to help your governing board develop the characteristics of strong leadership, aligned with education sector and government guidance. 

Available online with National College at any time (52 mins)  Ethical School Governance: Building Strong Leadership


How trust boards work: meetings, challenge, relationships and decision making. Target Group: New trustees. 

This session will cover: 

Effective meeting frameworks, The trust’s committee structure, Effective board reporting and papers, How to question and challenge well and Board dynamics and making a personal impact.

As required, via Teams Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 


Improving the quality of education in our schools. Target Group: New trustees / all trustees.

This session aims to provide an understanding of the trusts board’s strategic role in ensuring all pupils receive a high-quality, inclusive education, regardless of the barriers they may face. The session will cover: 

  • Using progress attainment and performance data to monitor educational quality 
  • Triangulation to better understand our schools
  • Investing in staff development 
  • Meeting the needs of vulnerable pupils, including SEND, and disadvantaged pupils 
  • The Ofsted framework
  • The trust’s school improvement strategy 

Via Teams as required Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


Effective MAT governance. Target Group: Trustees

This module explores key challenges and common pitfalls in establishing effective governance. The module focusses on: 

Organisational identity

  • Governance structures
  • Trust board effectiveness
  • Engagement with stakeholders
  • Effective accountability of the executive leadership 
  • Impact on pupil outcomes

Available online at any time (1 hour 15 mins) National Governance Association Module - Enable


Holding to account: how to question and challenge.  Target Group: Trustees

This short module focusses on two of the core governance functions. Asking questions and challenging the senior executive leader is essential whether monitoring the trust’s school improvement strategy, checking on compliance matters or overseeing financial performance.

Available online at any time (15 mins)  Holding to account: how to question and challenge | National Governance Association


Holding to account: how to conduct a courageous conversation. Target Group: Trustees

This bitesize module prepares you to approach difficult conversations with confidence in a measured and professional manner. 

Available online at any time (15 mins)  Holding to account: how to conduct a courageous conversation | National Governance Association 


Handling difficult situations. Target Group: Trustees

This module explores what contributions you can make in supporting the board to resolve difficulties and disputes. 

Available online at any time (55 mins)  Handling difficult situations | National Governance Association


 Compliance: assuring your organisation, keeping it safe, secure and solvent. Target Group: Trustees

This module raises an awareness of the key areas of compliance: safeguarding, health and safety, admissions, information management and policies. 

Available online at any time  Compliance: assuring your organisation | National Governance Association