Send us a text Welcome to the academic year 2024-25! This episode offers a compelling mix of personal updates, professional insights, and forward-looking strategies to enrich your governance journey. By listening to this episode, you will:- Catch up with the hosts as they reflect on their activities over the summer, discussing how the month of August uniquely impacts those working in Education and Education Governance.Explore the vibrant atmosphere in the education sector, particularly at eve...
Send us a text For today's Single Item Agenda to close the summer term of 23/24, we are joined by guest speaker; Kenji Batchelor, an Education Law Partner in Bristol, specialises in advising independent and special schools on legal issues, governance, and strategic projects, with over 14 years of board experience.By listening to this episode, you will:- Understand the Governance of Independent Schools: Explore the structure and responsibilities of governance in independent schools, the common...
Send us a text For today's Single Item Agenda we are joined by a guest speaker; Amy Whittall, Executive Director for Trust Development at The Mercian Trust, oversees People Leadership and Organisational Culture, after nearly 7 years as Headteacher of King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls.By listening to this episode, you will:- Trace the exceptional journey of an education leader evolving from the classroom to the boardroom, from navigating milestones and breaking ground along the way, t...
Send us a text For today's Single Item Agenda we are joined by a guest speaker; Dr Karl George MBE, a thought-leader and internationally established consultant in governance, is a Partner and Head of Governance at RSM, part of the ESG team.By listening to this episode, you will:- Explore the remarkable journey of a leading corporate governance practitioner, spanning from a background in finance and accountancy to influential community activism, culminating in expertise in global governance.De...
Send us a text For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; Meeting packs (meeting papers) that school governors and academy trustees receive to read in preparation for upcoming governing board meetingsThe importance of the agenda item ‘Minutes of the Previous Meeting’ and how to approach it - Don’t simply scroll, skip or skim past this paper!The process of taking minutes, reading and approving minutes - plus tracking the actions, including Chair’s actions, compliance actions, noting...
Send us a text For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), as we acknowledge 3 years of the podcast, we discuss; Transitioning from the end of the autumn term to the beginning of the spring term and how to ensure we retain our current volunteers and encourage others to joinThe volume of emails from mailing list subscriptions in the education governance space and managing your inboxes to avoid overload and overwhelm - how to implement filtering practices to determine what to action and when to r...
Send us a text For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we are joined by a guest speaker; Shekeila Scarlett, an Operations Manager for Transport for London and one of the youngest Chair of Governors in the country, governing at the only maintained secondary school in Hackney To discuss; Personal experience of the UK education system and the impact on life and career, incl. school bullying, the process of permanent exclusions from the perspective of the child, and appealing decisions at a...
Send us a text For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we are joined by a guest speaker; Paula Thorne, currently serving as a parent governor and EDI link governor at a primary school which has recently (as of 2023) received an Ofsted rating of ‘Outstanding’ in all categoriesTo discuss; Being and championing parent governorsWhen Ofsted arrives after over a decade, at the end of an academic year (summer term)How to prepare for an Ofsted inspection as an individual and as a governing board, in...
Send us a text For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we discuss; Attending conferences and events in the Education sector - When and where do they take place? Who organises/hosts/delivers them? What can governors, trustees, clerks and governance professionals, senior leaders and others gain from these?How governance conferences differ from governor trainingBoost your Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and make the most of any opportunity to improve your practicesYour presence whilst...
Send us a text For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we begin Season 4 and a new academic year with a guest speaker; Nick Hudson, former CEO of Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT), joins us to discuss juggling operational and strategic leadershipWhat does the role of a CEO of a 40+ schools Multi-Academy Trust look like?The recruitment process of a MAT Chief Executive - Are there key skills and qualities to keep in mind?Navigating the communication channels and relationships between all stakehol...
Send us a text For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we discuss; The finale of Season 3 of this podcast and its recent achievement, ranked No.4 out of 70 for the Best UK Education podcasts across 1000s - https://blog.feedspot.com/uk_education_podcasts/ An email from a listener about the experiences of being a young governor on governing boardsHow the education space is changing based on influences such as technology, digital and artificial intelligence (AI), and the benefits of having...
Send us a text For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we discuss; How to give and receive constructive criticism - Being a critical friendHow environments can influence how you show up - The significance of preparing for meetings to avoid awkward silencesNavigating different personalities and delivery styles when communicating What are your barriers to success and/or progression? Suggestions and considerations for all in school governance - Be honest. Conduct meetings in favour of the ...
Send us a text For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we discuss; The change in intensity throughout the academic year - Are you always crawling or counting down to the next school holidays?How to better understand ‘Apologies’ for meetings - and learning not to feel guilty if you need to say ‘No’ or take a step awayBalancing commitments and priorities can feel like spinning platesThe significance of a thorough Induction process and how it supports retention strategiesCommunicating with the ...
Send us a text Happy 2023! For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we discuss; The matrix of answering the question “What do you do?” Spotlight yourself!Opening up the dialogue about ‘Governance’ within your current circles - personal and professional, with family members, friends and coworkersWhat does volunteering look like? How does education/school governance show up in that category? Team building can be about learning more about your team members - Connect with your governor and t...
Send us a text To celebrate 10,000+ downloads / listens in less than 2 years, for today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we share/respond to comments and questions we’ve received from you, our listeners. We want to thank you all, with special mention of messages from; Paula - Ideas for EDI / DEI / D&I in schools and academies, and a Link Governor Role DescriptionJames - Governance Can Be “Stuffy” But Fresh Voices Make A Difference To The Lives Of Children, The School Community and Fut...
Send us a text For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we discuss; The Schedule of Meeting Dates and Times - From Meetings During School Day To Evenings After The Standard Work HoursDo Meeting Times, Location and Durations Create Barriers For Entry, Retention and/or Progression?Implementing Reviews For A Holistic View Of The Governing Board(s)How Do Companies and Organisations Handle Their Employees’ Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) CommitmentsOur Boards Are Strategic Not Static, S...
Send us a text For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we kickstart Season 3 and discuss; How To Navigate The Strategic vs. Operational Landscape At A Governing Board LevelThe New Suspensions and Exclusions Guidance (September 2022) and Appreciating The Process For Those Writing PoliciesAsking Questions and Setting Plans For Yourself As An Individual Governor/Trustee FirstWearing Different Hats and Stepping Into The Shoes of Others (Inside vs. Outside The Education Space)Uncapped Terms...
Send us a text For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we wrap up Season 2 and discuss; The Visibility, Voices and Value of Clerks and Governance ProfessionalsClerks Are Fundamental In The Coordination and Execution of Good Governance Practice and Procedure, incl. Exclusion Panels, Staff Complaints Committees, Appeals, as well as All The Other Meetings and Movements of Governors and Trustees across multiple Schools and AcademiesReviewing the Pay and Remuneration of the Clerking Services Requ...
Send us a text For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we invite our FIRST special guest, and discuss; Different Places and Resources To Become More Informed About Governance in Education, ie. The Hoot - https://thehoot.news/Education Governance Needs To Go Beyond The Sector and Recognising the CPD Opportunities - What Is The Profile Of Governance In Wider Society? How Much Is Truly Understood and How Do We Continue To Change / Evolve To Meet The Needs Of The Current Climate?The Humanity Sid...
Send us a text For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; What Are The 9 Protected Characteristics of the Equality Act 2010?Speaking From Lived ExperiencesThe Importance of Representation - How You Can Attract, Find and Recruit Diverse Governors Who Feel A Connection To Your Environment / School Community - What You Say vs. What You Do… Matters!Diversity Begins With The Mind - How Do You Think? How Do You Navigate the World?Steven Bartlett quote: The person who makes you smarter is...