Service Description
The Governor Support Service provides high quality advice and guidance to school governors, head teachers and clerks to governors to support them in their role. This is complemented by a comprehensive and tailored programme of training delivered by a team of experts, covering all aspects of education and legislation to address roles, legal responsibilities and best practice.
SLA Services Offered
Advice, Guidance and Support Package for both Governors and Clerks
Our knowledgeable and experienced staff specialise in effective school governance. We provide high quality and timely advice and information to help meet governing boards’ statutory requirements and fulfil their three core strategic functions, including:
- Advice and support by telephone/ email or in person as appropriate, including guidance on problem solving and conflict resolution.
- Additional support and guidance for governing boards in times of need.
- Model termly agenda which meets statutory, Ofsted and internal audit requirements.
- An electronic copy of a termly newsletter and briefing to keep governors and Clerks up-todate with changes in legislation and good practice.
- Provision of termly briefing sessions on local and national developments for Chairs, Vice Chairs, Headteachers and Clerks.
- A Welcome Pack for new Governors reflecting current legislation and good practice.
- A Welcome Pack for new Chairs outlining roles and responsibilities.
- Electronic updates for Chairs of Governors, Headteachers, SBM’s and Clerks to keep governors informed of developments.
- A Welcome Email for new Clerks outlining roles and responsibilities.
- Support service for Clerks offering advice and guidance as appropriate.
- Bespoke training programme for Clerks to inform and keep them up-to-date with the latest regulations and good practice.
- Advice on governing board membership and annual report of terms of office which are due to expire.
- General recruitment activities and advice on governor recruitment at a local level.
- Provision of Model Committee Terms of Reference.
- Provision of information and briefing papers on legislation/good practice e.g. parent and staff governor elections procedures.
- Access to a secure governor support website, containing a central resource of key documents and good practice guides.
- Liaison with DfE, and other regional and national organisations on behalf of governing boards with regard to governance matters.
- Provision of model good practice templates.
Governor Training and Development Package
“As part of induction and continuous development, effective boards encourage everyone involved in governance, especially those new to their role, to make the most of the resources, guidance and training available to develop their knowledge and skills.”
Governance Handbook, October 2020
We offer a comprehensive programme of training sessions, on-line or face to face, which are regularly revised with the latest information and guidance:
- Unlimited access for all Governors to the centrally organised training programme.
- Unlimited access for all Clerks to the centrally organised training programme.
- Unlimited access for all Governors to an online training package.
- Access to a report of governor training bookings and attendance.
- Provision of a termly electronic bulletin.
- Identification of training needs and exchange of good practice through a termly Training Representatives’ meeting.
- Information about other external and national development opportunities for Governors and Clerks.
- Telephone and email support on all governor development related matters.
Other Chargeable Services available
- LA Review of Governance - £650
We will undertake a review of governance to help governors identify strengths and areas for development. This review will be most helpful to governing boards exploring ways to develop more effective practices and be able to demonstrate where they have made a difference to pupil outcomes. It can be commissioned as a matter of good practice or for those governing boards needing to develop their strategic role.
This report can be used as evidence for an Ofsted Inspection demonstrating a proactive approach to governance.
Parent governor election administration
Nomination Stage from £90 (*excluding printing and stationery and dependent on school size)
Ballot Stage £90 (Primary) £120 (Secondary)
We can support schools in the organisation of Parent Governor elections both at the election and ballot stages.
Whole Governing Board Training
We deliver individual whole governing board sessions on general governance, at your school, if appropriate, or remotely for £275 per 2 hour session. We are also happy to facilitate any bespoke requests and provide prices on application.
Further Details
Further information on our services and pricing for bespoke packages beyond the SLA can be found on the Governor Support extranet site
SLA pricing
Charges for 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024
| School size | Advice and support | Training | Both packages (Discount rate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 250 pupils | £620 | £620 | £995 |
| 250 - 350 pupils | £740 | £840 | £1185 |
| 351 - 450 pupils | £780 | £860 | £1215 |
| 451 - 550 pupils | £810 | £890 | 1240 |
| 551 - 650 pupils | £840 | £905 | 1290 |
| 651 - 900 pupils | £875 | £945 | 1320 |
| 900+ pupils | £1460 | £1460 | 2490 |
| Secondary | £1460 | £1460 | 2490 |
| Supplements see below |
Federations will be charged on the total number of pupils in the federation with a £100 supplement per school. For federations of more than three schools, please contact us for a bespoke quote.
|
Supplement per Academy board/ individual LGB |
£100 |
£100 |
£200 |
MATs - Price on application to access to packages of training, advice and support or both.
|
Individual Whole Governing Board Training sessions |
£275 per 2 hour session (please see Training and Development package for further details) |
|
LA Review of Governance |
£650 |
|
Parent Governor Election |
Nomination Stage from £90* Ballot Stage £90 (Primary) £120 (Secondary) |
Contact
If you require additional information, please contact:
June Crame
Governor Support Manager
Tel: 020 8545 3923
Fax: 020 8545 3260
Email: june.crame@merton.gov.uk