Supporting Schools with Business Operations

Jimmy Carter was the first US President (1977-1981) to hit my consciousness. I didn't know anything about him, what being the US President meant, or who came before him, just that in 1977, it was him. The same year that Virginia Wade won Wimbledon, and Elvis died. My understanding of the wider world was limited.

Now, this week, as we re-enter the Trump presidency, I can't help but feel a bit wistful for days gone by. I know they weren't perfect, but they seemed less...demanding, less divisive and less confrontational. Not that I'd go back to being 10 for all the links in the soon-to-be-restarted border fence! 

I've been having a number of conversations recently about governance and President Carter was right. Governance should be an equaliser by ensuring it is inclusive, transparent and accountable. School governors have a vital role to play in our schools and we have got to set them up, give them the right tools and then let them do their job.

That last one that can feel difficult. We are so used to holding on tightly to the reins of school leadership, so I'll share with you the main points of my recent conversations, which only really touch the tip of the iceberg.

1. Governing bodies should be diverse and have a wide range of skills and values. This one sounds obvious but it needs to be encouraged. As a nation, we need more school governors, and trustees, and we need them to bring something different to the table. I like school websites that tell me who the governors are, why they are there, and where their skills lie.
2. Governors should "own" their risk register. This requires them to be close enough to the school or trust they are supporting to be able to identify the risks themselves, and spend time considering how they are going to manage them.
3. Informed by their risk register, governors should then decide in which areas they need reassurance, find an education focused (have you met the acronyms?) internal scrutiny provider who can review the area and independently report back, support the process, then receive and consider the report.
4. School leaders need to play their part by making governance interesting, meaningful and fun. (Yes, fun.)

The response to these four points is often that "governors are volunteers" and I absolutely agree, but they have volunteered. It is up to us as SBLs to make it worth their time, so that they can be proud of their impact, and feel that they are getting something out of it in return. 

So, as we say goodbye to the 39th POTUS and say hello to the 47th, we remember that governance is a way we can all give back to our community. It doesn't cost you anything but time, most people over the age of 18 can be one, and everyone has a skill they can bring - even if its just knowing the local community. 

Add 'supporting governance' to your SBL role, not just by giving them information, but by welcoming them in, valuing them, challenging them, and making sure they have fun!

Emma.

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