The Governing Chatters Podcast

Looking back, looking forward

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 17:14:11 +0200

Join us for the final episode of Governing Chatters for this academic year as we take a retrospective journey through the challenges we've faced and celebrate our accomplishments.

In this episode, we'll delve into the key challenges that schools and trusts have encountered throughout the year and explore the implications of the upcoming outcome of the STRB (School Teachers' Review Body).

We have news to share regarding NGA's leadership and we provide an exclusive sneak peek into NGA's highly anticipated annual governance survey, scheduled for release in September.

Whether you're an experienced governor, an aspiring leader, or simply interested in the world of education governance, this episode will provide valuable insights and thought-provoking discussions to wrap up the academic year.

Join us as we reflect on the past, examine the present, and anticipate the future of school governance.

Building your career as a governance professional

Thu, 04 May 2023 13:04:32 +0200

Welcome to this episode of our podcast, where we delve into the world of governance professionals and explore what it takes to build a successful career as a self-employed governance professional. Joining Amy Wright, NGA's Clerking Development Manager, are Laura Corcoran and Ellie Hully who both have extensive experience and are eager to share their insights.

We tackle a range of issues that are crucial to governance professionals as Amy discusses Ellie and Laura’s experiences of being self-employed and important topics such as fee setting, service level agreements, managing relationships, and adapting to the changing nature of the role.

Whether you are just starting out in your career or are a seasoned professional looking to take the next step, this episode will provide valuable insights and practical advice to help you succeed. So tune in as we explore the world of governance professionals and discover what it takes to build a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Let’s connect

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 11:16:51 +0100

In the latest episode of Governing Chatters, Fiona Fearon is joined by Catherine Roche, the chief executive of Place2Be, Lucy Bartley, chief executive of Two Ten Therapy and Ben Levinson, the headteacher at Kensington Primary School as we explore pupil mental health and wellbeing.

This year’s theme for Children's Mental Health Week is Let’s Connect. Fiona, Catherine, Lucy and Ben discuss what that means and how we can all support good pupil mental health and wellbeing.

You can access the resources we talk about in this show at http://www.nga.org.uk/pupilwellbeing and for more on Children’s mental health week resources, visit: www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/schools/

You can follow our guests on social media

Ben Levinson @mrlev

Two Ten Therapy - https://www.facebook.com/twotentherapy

Lucy Bartley - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-bartley-91998477

Place2be - https://twitter.com/Place2Be

Our intro music is Acid Jazz by Kevin Macleod and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution licence.

What’s in store for 2023?

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 12:28:37 +0100

Join Emma Knights, Steve Edmonds, San Henson and Emma Balchin as they look forward to what is on the education horizon in 2023, whether it is the implementation of parts of the white paper, the need for action on SEND and the welcome news from the autumn fiscal statement and what that means for governors and trustees. We also look forward to some of the exciting NGA plans for the year.

Building great relationships for boards and leaders

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 13:18:13 +0100

In the latest episode of Governing Chatters, Emma Knights is joined by long-time friend of NGA, Andy Buck to talk about the vital relationship between the chair of the board and the executive leader, whether that be a head teacher of a school or a chief executive of a trust and how that relationship can be supportive, challenging and secure.

Emma and Andy explore some of the key habits that help to build a rapport between the board and the senior leadership team. They discuss how to create conversations that are both supportive and challenging that ask the right questions.

Find out more about BASIC coaching at https://www.basic-coaching.com

You can find Andy Buck on twitter at https://twitter.com/andy__buck

If you want to order the Chair’s Handbook, visit https://www.nga.org.uk/CHB

For more on the Board 360 that was mentioned in the podcast, visit https://www.nga.org.uk/board-evaluation

Making EdTech work for you

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 10:54:41 +0200

Making EdTech work for you

In this month’s podcast, Steve Edmonds and Nina Sharma explored the increasing prevalence and reliance on technology in our schools and classrooms. We wanted to find out how those who are governing keep pace with these developments and ensure that technology is being used effectively.

Steve and Nina were joined by Al Kingsley, Chair of trustees, Hampton Academies Trust and group CEO, NetSupport and Julie Carson, Director of Education at Woodland Academy Trust who gave us their expert view on the impact of technology in schools, particularly during the lockdown as well as looking at how boards can test the robustness of new proposals.

You can read Al’s piece for SchoolsWeek on how to save money by tailoring your tech here https://schoolsweek.co.uk/budget-crisis-how-to-save-money-by-tailoring-your-tech/

If you want to find out more about Julie’s experience at Woodland Academy Trust, you can watch a short video here, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHF39HAIQj4 and read a case study here. https://academia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Spotlight-Stories-Woodland-Academy-Trust-FV21.pdf

You can find out more about NGA membership at www.nga.org.uk/membership, our webinars free to join, you can find all of our webinars at www.nga.org.uk/webinars

2022 – The challenges ahead

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 12:38:14 +0200

As we start a new academic year, Emma Knights, Sam Henson and Steve Edmonds discuss the challenges schools are facing. With a new prime minister and secretary of state we explore what is sitting in the in-tray for the new ministerial team at the Department for Education, particularly the financial challenges schools are dealing with. We also explore the findings from NGA’s annual governance survey and outline what that means for MATs and explore the issues boards are facing recruiting volunteers.

We want to hear your views and experience to help shape NGA's response to the emerging schools funding crisis. If you would like to share your story, please email schoolfunding@nga.org.uk

If you would like to read the latest reports from our annual governance survey, you can find them at www.nga.org.uk/governance2022

School inspection: a view from the board, two years on

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 11:58:49 +0200

In the latest episode of Governing Chatters, Sam Henson and Nina Sharma discuss NGA’s latest report on school inspection. Following on from our report that looked at Ofsted’s newly introduced education inspection framework in 2020 which identified key issues and areas to address, the latest report highlights where Ofsted inspection practice has since changed or improved.

Sam and Nina discuss the experiences of governing boards and the results of our extensive analysis of inspection reports.

You can read the latest report here

Our first report is available to read here

If you are an NGA member, you can read our guidance on Ofsted inspections here.

We also have a Learning Link module on Ofsted inspection available to subscribers. You can sign up for a free trial of Learning Link here.

What you need to know about the White and Green papers

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 13:22:23 +0200

In our latest episode, Emma Knights is joined by Sam Henson and Steve Edmonds to discuss the recently published white paper ‘Opportunity for all: Strong schools with great teachers for your child’ sets out the government’s vision for the future of education which was swiftly followed by the green paper, 'SEND review, Right Support, Right Place, Right Time'.

Emma, Sam and Steve discuss what was included, what boards need to know and what NGA would like to have seen included.

If you would like to find out more about either the white or green paper, we are running webinars in the summer term. You can find out more at www.nga.org.uk/webinars. Our Governance Leadership forums in the summer term will be focusing on the white paper and we are delighted that Paul Cohen - Deputy Director, Governance and Trust Development Division, Department for Education will be joining us to discuss the implications of the paper. You can book your place at the forums at www.nga.org.uk/events.

For more information on our view of the papers, you can read our information sheets and reaction at https://www.nga.org.uk/News/NGA-News/April-2022/NGA-publish-summary-information-sheets-on-the-scho.aspx

You can read Sam Henson’s blog on local governance on our blog page at https://www.nga.org.uk/News/Blog.aspx.

Being a young governor – in their own words

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 17:51:20 +0200

In this edition of Governing Chatters, Sam Tranter is joined by two members of NGA’s Young Governors’ Network, Anju Dhir and Matthew McKirgan to talk about their experiences of being a young governor, the importance of diversity of thought and representation on boards and what they have learnt from governing.

You can read the full report on increasing participation in governance here.

You can find more information on NGA’s Young Governors’ Network here and you can contact Sam Tranter through the network page to discuss how you can get involved.

Creating a culture of development

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 17:39:12 +0100

In our latest episode of Governing Chatters, Steve Edmonds discusses staff development with Mandy Coalter, Founder of Talent Architects and Gareth Alcott, Director of Strategic partnerships at the National College of Education. In a thoughtful discussion, Steve, Mandy and Gareth explore the key points in establishing a culture of CPD within a school or Trust, how to make the most of the CPD budget and how the culture of CPD should fit into a wider talent management strategy. They also look at how you can use the appraisal as a force for good and the vital role of collaboration and peer learning.

If you would like to find out more about our speakers, you can follow them on Twitter:

@NGASteveE

@MandyCoalter

@GalcottGareth

New Year, familiar challenges

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 21:50:00 +0100

In our latest episode of Governing Chatters, Emma Knights is joined by Sam Henson, Emma Balchin and Steve Edmonds as they discuss the challenges faced by schools as they start the new term. Download the episode now as we discuss wellbeing for leaders, staff and pupils and how you can best support each other as well as the challenge of accountability in the current climate.

We also explore how to balance the urgent and the important with a particular focus on the upcoming Governance Leadership forums where we will be focusing on NGA's Greener Governance campaign and the role governors and trustees have in taking forward COP26 targets.

Your priorities for schools in 2021 and 2022

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 17:58:23 +0100

Join NGA's Director of Policy and Information, Sam Henson along with Fiona Fearon, Nina Sharma and Megan Tate as they discuss the findings from the 2021 annual governance survey, interpret the data and look ahead to the challenges of 2021

Increasing participation in Governance

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 13:09:38 +0200

In our latest episode we are joined by three Chairs and Governors to discuss how you can increase participation in governance and why diversity on boards is important. We explore how boards have diversified their membership and supported new governors and trustees when they join.

Start of the year - lots to do

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 16:52:35 +0200

After a break over the summer, Governing Chatters is back. In the first episode of the autumn term, Emma Knights, Sam Henson and Steve Edmonds discuss the big issues facing you this term.

They discuss plans for school returns, covid recovery and recap on the Ofsted framework for inspection. Alongside this, they explore the role of skills audits, look ahead to the rest of the autumn term’s events and releases.

To access the resources we discussed in the show:

Skills Audit is available here: www.nga.org.uk/skills-audit

Model Code of conduct is available here: https://www.nga.org.uk/codeofconduct

Ofsted webinar is available here: www.nga.org.uk/webinars

Making pupil mental wellbeing a priority

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 23:18:03 +0200

In this month’s podcast, Emma Knights, Steve Edmonds and Emma Balchin looked at pupil wellbeing, what do we mean by it and what does the current data tell us. What are the key elements for building a whole school culture that supports pupils and engages them directly?

We also explored the importance of induction and CPD in supporting new and experienced governors to make an impact and deliver the best education for their pupils.

If you want to watch the webinar on Pupil well-being, you can see it on NGA’s webinars page, www.nga.org.uk/webinars

Members can download the information sheet on pupil mental wellbeing here.

Schools and their communities

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 17:57:58 +0200

Following the launch of NGA's latest report, MATs Moving Forward, we look at the key issues of the report and how they apply across all schools.

The role of clerks and other governance professionals in developing and maintaining effective working relationships

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 19:06:38 +0100

In our latest episode of Governing Chatters we have a fascinating discussion with four outstanding clerks who give us their insight on how you manage relationships, foster a culture of challenge and enable effective governance remotely.

Ethical Leadership and how it works

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 10:46:05 +0100

In this episode we are delighted to be joined by some of the key figures involved in the development of the Ethical Leadership framework and the Pathfinder project.

We’ll be talking to them about how they have used the pathfinder project in their school(s) and the impact the work has had.

Farewell to 2020

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 22:28:27 +0100

Christmas is a time for reflection, today we are going to look back on what we have learnt from the seminars, reflect on where we are with Covid and the impact on the sector. We are also going to look at what we have learnt from such a strange year and with a sense of optimism(?) look ahead to what 2021 might contain.

Thanks to Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/) and DL Sounds (https://www.dl-sounds.com) for the tracks used on this recording.

Annual Conference, Seminars and the autumn term so far

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 16:25:08 +0100

Join us as we discuss the latest on how schools operate through the autumn term and deal with the challenges of the pandemic.

We also look ahead to our annual conference seminar series which will look at the Governing Board's role in:

Closing the disadvantage gap for pupils
Promoting diversity & equality in senior leadership
The well-being and retention of senior leadership
The future outlook for school improvement and accountabilit

Leading during Covid

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 16:09:38 +0200

Schools are open and children in the main are returning to school thanks to the efforts of senior leaders, staff and governors. It has been a remarkable effort to get everything ready.

That effort can come at a cost and today we want to focus on leadership, the headline findings from our latest annual governance survey on leadership as well as the recruitment, well-being, appraisal and development of leaders.

New academic year - Ready to go?

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 14:04:02 +0200

As we start a new academic year, schools returning fully for the first time since lockdown, we look at some of things NGA has been up to during August.

Emma Knights, Sam Henson and Emma Balchin look at the Annual Governance Survey, Skills Audits and Board reflection as well as the implications of the student grade decisions made during August.

Time to reflect?

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 08:33:11 +0200

Well, that has been a busy summer term, it has been testament to the strength of boards and senior leadership along with their staff that we have come through the lockdown the way we have.

August is a chance for us all to take stock of where we are, look ahead to the new academic year and look at the big strategic issues we face..

Planning ahead - what does September look like?

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 07:57:11 +0200

Join Emma Knights, Sam Henson, Emma Balchin and Steve Edmonds as they discuss the latest policy announcements from DfE and they make sense of where we are now. We explore the key issues in planning for the September return to school, catch up money and how and what you should be focussed on monitoring if you can’t visit your school.

Examining the new Ofsted inspection framework

Fri, 29 May 2020 08:37:46 +0200

Join Emma Knights, Sam Henson and Nina Sharma as they explore the new Ofsted inspection framework, find out what our research report tells you about the implementation of the new framework and the changes it has made for governors when your school is inspected.

Governing through Covid-19

Tue, 12 May 2020 07:47:58 +0200

Emma Knights is joined by Steve Edmonds and Emma Balchin to discuss the challenges faced by schools during the covid-19 lockdown, we explore the role CPD can play in the lockdown and look ahead to our next podcast examining the new Ofsted inspection framework.