I Why learn or train?
If an organisation is to survive if not flourish – whatever the work it does – it has to be a learning one. This is more the case in a school, academy, college and university where the primary function is to promote learning. The key recipients of this provision are, of course, the pupils and students. However, young people in the charges of the governors, headteachers and staff must see the latter model what they expect of them, to spur the learning for the pupils and students. In such a milieu, governors – like the staff which they oversee – have to take their own learning and training seriously and invest time to improve their knowledge and practice of good and outstanding governance.
Continuing professional development (CPD) is not a staff monopoly at a school or an academy. It has to encompass all the adults associated with the institution – including governors. Modelling apart, training is necessary to improve the quality of governance so that governors become better critical friends and make decisions which aid in their effectively developing strategy and promoting accountability. Continue reading