Governance and Leadership. Services for Academies

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1 Governance and Leadership Services for Academies September 2016 to August 2017 For more information and to make a booking or call

2 Dear Governor Welcome to our latest brochure outlining our service to support governors in Academies. As Academy governors, the role you play in the strategic leadership of schools is pivotal to their success and we value the dedication and commitment that governors and clerks have in ensuring that all children and young people have the very best opportunity to reach their full potential. The complexity of working in an Academy setting means that you need comprehensive and flexible support to meet the challenges you will be faced with. Whether you are a single Academy, a large Academy group or smaller Multi Academy Trust we can be of assistance. To support you in your role we have developed a wide range of resources ranging from courses, workshops, bespoke packages and conferences. Our Governance and Leadership service has a vast experience of governance in all settings and you can be assured that you will receive a professional service at all times. We recognise that the needs of Academies can be very different to that of Local Authority maintained schools and so we provide a very flexible approach to the services we offer and in our pricing structures to deliver value for money. If you are an Academy group then you may want to discuss the development of a bespoke package to suit your group s individual needs and this is something we can help you with. Whether you are a Trustee or a Member of a Local Governing Board I am sure you will find our services invaluable in supporting the growth and success of your organisation. Helen Wardale Head of Governance and Leadership Service 2

3 The provider of choice From leadership and governance to improved teaching techniques, business resources to inspirational learning environmnets, our vision for today, tomorrow, and into the future is to be the provider of choice for educational establishments in Norfolk and beyond. The range of services we can offer include the following; Leaders & Governors Governance Support Academy Conversion Clerking Services External reviews of Governance Staff Development Newly Qualified Teachers Curriculum based support STEPS programme Professional Networks Learners Business Resources Music Service Norfolk Children s University Whitlingham Outdoor Education Centre External reviews of Governance Finance Support Services Recruitment HR Advice and Support Contract Administration We can provide other services from our trusted partners Please visit for more information 3

4 Why Educator Solutions? Educator Solutions are based in Norwich and have a long tradition of working with schools. As an organisation we support many schools and Academies helping them to achieve their ambitions. Our team are all specialists in governance matters and have a vast experience of the education sector. When you purchase a service from us you will be given a named person who will act as your contact point throughout your relationship with us. As a customer you will have access to: A responsive, proactive service, which is flexible to meet customer expectations. Competitively priced products providing good value for money to your organisation. What our team do: Provide up to date, focussed programmes of training and development for governors/ trustees and governing boards to help raise standards in education establishments. Equip governors and trustees with the right skills and knowledge to be effective in their role. Offer support, advice, guidance and information in various ways to meet governors and trustees needs. Support recruitment and appointment of governors and trustees with the right skills Provide a range of products to support the continuous professional development of volunteers. Offer a professional clerking service to support governing boards 4

5 Services available for Academies from Educator Solutions Developing Strong Governance and Leadership Supporting & Guiding Governance Professional Development of Governance Advice & Support Package Advice Line Governor Hub Online Resources Governance Toolkit Leadership Recruitment External Review of Governance School Website Review Governing Board Document Scrutiny Clerking Support Head s Performance Management Governor Panels Consultancy Support Central Training Courses In School Training Governor Conferences Governor Networking Events Governing Board Self Evaluation Trust Governance Review Accredited Safer Recruitment Training Foundations Skills for Clerks Clerks Development Programme Accredited Clerks Programme Chair s Leadership Programme Academy Conversion The next few pages set out more detail about each service 5

6 Supporting & Guiding Governance Governance Advice & Support Annual Package This is our entry level service, which we feel is invaluable for all Academies. This package will provide; Governance Advice Line Telephone and assistance to members of your governing board providing impartial advice. The service is confidential and is supported by our experienced team. The team has access to a wide variety of resources and is able to provide guidance and advice to governors and clerks on a host of education matters. Governorhub Access Governorhub is an online resource which provides you with a platform to support your governing board s ad ministration. The facility is especially effective in an Academy group as it provides an efficient means to distribute documents and guidance across the group. Online Resources We understand the increasing role that technology plays in helping everyone through their busy lives. Governors are no exception to this. Our online portal provides access to a wide variety of topical matters and relevant articles. It is a good source of information for governors and will keep them informed and briefed on current matters. Governance Toolkit The Governance Toolkit is a comprehensive and essential guide to help governors understand their role and responsibilities. Leadership Recruitment Replacing a key member of the leadership team can be a significant challenge. If you are part of a large Academy group the chances are that you will have support through this process. However, for smaller organisations, bespoke external assistance can provide you with the extra capacity you need to fulfil your requirements. Whether you are recruiting a Headteacher, Senior Leader or Business Manager we have the expertise to help. A discussion with one of our team will help to develop a support package to match your needs. 6

7 External Review of Governance The Governance Handbook recommends that Academies periodically review their governance structures and effectiveness to ensure they are still fit for purpose. It is not uncommon for Ofsted to recommend a review as part of their report. Either way we are best placed to conduct a detailed and thorough review of your governance arrangements. An external review is comprehensive and will put your structures and practices under the spotlight. Our work has frequently been praised and recognized during school inspections by HMI. Our framework is continually reviewed to ensure it meets National College standards. School Website Review The school website increasingly represents the face of your school. It is an essential resource of information for prospective parents, existing parents and Ofsted. Today your website must provide a broad range of information, some of which is statutory whilst other content is recommended. We provide an independent review of your website checking it is compliant with current legislation and Department for Education guidance. Governing Board Documentation Evidence Trail Scrutiny This service provides a formal scrutiny of the governing board's documentation. The scrutiny covers the committees and full governing board meetings, the clerk's file of governor information and the Academies documents for improvement that would normally have governor involvement or approval. Governors can assure themselves that current practice and procedures are robust. Clerking Support High quality professional clerking is crucial to the effective functioning of the governing board. The Clerk to Governors has a key role in school governance. They undertake administrative tasks efficiently and ensure that procedures are followed and statutory duties are met. This enables the governing board to understand its role, functions and legal duties so that it can stay focused on its core responsibilities. Our clerks can support Trust Boards and Local Governing Bodies. All clerks employed by the service are well trained and are kept updated about changes affecting governance. Our service includes: Provision of an experienced and trained clerk for full governing board meetings Advice on agenda setting and requirements for each term Guidance and advice at the meeting on procedural or constitutional matters Provision of a clerk for meetings such as complaints, exclusions and disciplinary meetings 7

8 Independent review of clerking documentation to ensure it meets current requirements in line with Ofsted expectations. In addition, we provide a Development Programme for clerks and can help in progressing them through the Accredited Clerks Programme. Heads Performance Management As an Academy you may decide to seek external advice from an educationalist when it comes to completing performance management with your Headteacher. Gaining an external perspective can be invaluable for governors and the Headteacher. You will want to be certain that you take this advice from someone with appropriate experience, knowledge and training. At Educator Solutions we ensure all our officers go through a rigorous quality control process so that you can be assured you get expert opinion. Governor Panels Occasionally, it may not be possible to find enough impartial governors from your own governing board to sit on a complaint s or exclusions panel. We can assist in contacting and arranging experienced governors to sit on your panel if needed. Consultancy Support As in any organisation from time to time you will be faced with something unusual and possibly challenging. We can provide consultancy support to deal with a wide range of specific issues. This is particularly useful if you are looking for an independent report, or if due to the size of your Academy group you simply do not have capacity and just need to purchase additional support for a short period of time. In the first instance we would recommend you to speak to one of our team members who will be happy to explore your needs. We would be pleased to provide a quote for the work and agree appropriate terms of reference. Academy Conversion We can provide a range of services to support the conversion to Academy. This can include everything from project management and finance support through to developing schemes of delegation. 8

9 Professional Development of Governance Central Training Courses Throughout the academic year we arrange a number of training courses for governors. Courses will typically cover topical areas such as understanding data, completing performance management along with essential areas such as governor induction. Individual governors can attend events of their choice and appropriate to their learning development needs, at a time which works around their work and home commitments. Sessions are available during the day, evening and some Saturdays. Our sessions are professionally delivered and you will receive a full set of supporting material with each training event. As well as being informative you can expect each training event to provide governors with an opportunity to develop and share their understanding in a confidential and safe environment. A full list of our training courses can be viewed at; GovernorHub Subscribing to our Annual Package will provide unlimited access to central training. In School or Trust Training sessions We have the capacity to deliver specific training for your Academy organisation based around your identified needs. These sessions are ideal if you have established a common issue for your Academy group. Sessions can be delivered for specific LGB s or at Board level. Sessions can be delivered at a time to fit your organisations requirements. We would be happy to discuss your requirements and agree an appropriate price for developing a specific solution to meet your needs. Governor Conferences During the academic year we will arrange a number of conferences. Our events are well attended and provide informative debate and excellent networking opportunities. Governing Board Self Evaluation Our Self Evaluation framework provides you with an opportunity to have a facilitated session in a school or at a venue of your choice. This allows governors the opportunity to reflect on practice and identify areas for strengthening governance. If you are part of a Multi Academy Trust this is an ideal way to support the development and working of your Local Governing Bodies. 9

10 Trust Governance Review This is a bespoke service provided to Multi Academy Trusts. It incorporates a strategic review of the Trust with the purpose of identifying the organisations capability and competence. This service will be of interest to Trusts who are considering expansion and are seeking an independent view of the operation of the organisation. The findings will support the Trust in developing its plans to move forward. Safer Recruitment Training This is a one day nationally accredited course covering all aspects of safer recruitment, Including recruitment techniques and how to develop a safer culture in your setting. The course can be delivered in your local setting. Foundation Skills for Clerks Clerks have a vital role to play in the effective running of the governing board meetings, ensuring that procedures are followed and evidence is met to show the statutory responsibilities. This training will cover a range of topics appropriate to a clerk s development. Accredited Clerk s Programme This is a competency based programme which provides for effective clerking to be developed and assessed. It is instrumental in raising the confidence and capability of your clerk. The programme runs across the academic year and includes eight competency areas with clearly defined performance criteria. Chairs of Governors Leadership Programme We continue to work in partnership with the National Governors Association (NGA) and The Eastern Leadership Centre (ELC) to provide training for chairs and aspiring chairs of governing boards on behalf of the National College for School Leadership. The National College s Chairs of Governors Leadership Development Programme provides opportunities for chairs and aspiring chairs to develop their leadership skills. With school improvement as a key theme across the programme, it has been designed to help you focus on the essential elements of being an effective chair. The following is included in the programme; A 360 leadership diagnostic, face-to-face workshops providing opportunities to learn more about leadership and try out what you have learnt with others in a safe environment. School-based activities to deepen and extend your learning in school Opportunities to reflect on leadership practice at each stage Access to a dedicated mentor to provide support, guidance and challenge throughout the programme. 10

11 Accessible and interactive resources. Further support and resources including how to documents. A Learning Log to feed into your Professional Development Plan. Benefits of the programme Develop your leadership skills in a flexible learning environment. Share best practice and learn from other chairs Feel confident and ready for Ofsted Support your relationship with your headteacher and feel able to effectively support others Make a difference to the strategic leadership of school improvement Support succession planning of your governing board by encouraging your vice-chair to become involved at the same time. More details about any of our products is available by contacting anyone of our team direct on To help you in purchasing our products the following sections outline costs for the academic year 2016/17. All prices are effective from September 2016 and are subject to VAT in accordance with current HMRC requirements at the time of purchase. As a commercial organisation we know how important value for money and service are. We have developed a flexible approach to pricing which delivers value to your organisation just when you need it. 11

12 Annual Packages Governance Advice & Support Annual Package Advice Line, Governor Hub, Online Resources, Governance Toolkit (10 copies) 495 per Academy in the Trust Governance Development Annual Package Unlimited access to central training courses per governing body in the Trust 750 per Academy in the Trust A combined purchase of both packages is available at a discounted price of 1145 at a saving of 100 Supporting Governance Leadership Recruitment External Review of Governance School Website Review Governing Board Document Scrutiny Heads Performance Management Governor Panels Consultancy Support Academy Conversion Please call to discuss your requirements From 1600 per FGB/LGB 250 per school 400 per FGB/LGB Please call to discuss your requirements 150 arrangement fee Travel costs to be settled direct with attendees Please call to discuss your requirements Please call to discuss your requirements Clerking Full Local Governing Board (or directors) meetings taking up to 2 hours* 6 per year (2 per term) 3 per year (1 per term) Individual Meetings * For any meeting exceeding 2 hours, the charge will be 100 per hour or pro rata 12

13 Clerking Committee meetings taking up to 2 hours* 6 meetings 3 meetings Individual Meetings * For any meeting exceeding 2 hours, the charge will be 75 per hour or pro rata Permanent exclusions, complaint panels, staff grievances/disciplinary Pay as you go Clerking 200 *For any meeting exceeding 2 hours 100 per hour or pro rata Developing Governance Central Training Courses Pay as you Go In School or Trust Training Session (Please call for bespoke session) Governor Conferences Governor Networking Events Governing Board Self Evaluation Trust Governance Review Accredited Safer Recruitment Training (If you require this training to be delivered on site please call for costs) Foundation Skills for Clerks Accredited Clerks Programme Chairs Leadership Programme The cost to attend a central training session is 140 per delegate 300 per session max 12 delegates, this will be discounted for any school subscribing to one of our annual packages Prices advertised at time of release Free Please call to discuss your requirements Please call to discuss your requirements 300 per delegate (Discount available for schools subscribing to annual package) 140 per delegate 800 Please call to discuss your requirements 13

14 Our Team Helen Wardale Mary Richards Head of Governance and Leadership Service Senior Development Officer Governance Support Development Officers Tina Brown David Allen Jo Dunham Gary Hewitt David Amis Suzanne Walker Karen Moore Team Support Liz Buckland Yvette Syder Sarah Rosser How to purchase a service? If you are an existing client of Educator Solutions our products can be purchased through our e-trading platform SLA online at; Alternatively, if you are a new client please contact us direct as set out below. For advice please us at enquiry@educatorsolutions.org.uk Alternatively you can phone us on

15 Things we think you ought to know... Confidential and Trustworthy Our service is confidential, trustworthy and supportive. When you engage our services you can be assured that information shared with us about your organisation is secure and confidential. In School or Trust training sessions Please allow six weeks notice to arrange. When booking the session, we normally ask for two suggested dates, to help us ensure we provide the appropriate trainer for the session. Confirmation of Booking Training Telephone and bookings will be confirmed by and, together with joining instructions, will be sent to you by approximately 10 days before the due date of any training event. Cancellation One reason for cancelling an event is low numbers, so please help us by booking well in advance. If we have to cancel/postpone an event we will notify you as soon as possible. Please check your before setting out for an event, especially during periods of adverse weather conditions. The minimum number required to run a course is six participants. Please note: If you fail to attend a booked event without giving 48 hours notice of cancellation, we reserve the right to: Make a charge to governing boards that have subscribed to Educator Solutions Governance and Leadership Service to cover the costs of administration and catering involved. Currently 45 Invoice for the full cost of the course/event to Pay as You Use delegates. Educator Solutions is a Norfolk County Council Trading Enterprise Content correct as at 24/6/

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