Summary of Research Project

The Ofsted Handbook for Inspecting Schools (September 2003) says the main roles of the governing body are to:

� provide a strategic direction for the work and improvement of the school;
� support, monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the school; and
� hold the school to account for the standards achieved and the quality of education.

Responses to the research questionnaire from 82 LEA Governor Training Providers and NGC affiliated Governors� Associations show that almost all LEAs now provide governor training in monitoring and evaluation; interpreting performance data; performance management and pre-OFSTED school self evaluation. All but sixteen also offer supported self-evaluation programmes for governing bodies, designed to help them recognise their strengths and weakness and plan for their training and developmental needs. It should be noted that respondents to the research questionnaire were self-selecting so there will be a bias towards good practice.

This training can be delivered through centrally run courses; to groups or families of schools; and, most effectively, to individual governing bodies in their own schools. In the latter case, some LEAs deliver the training through the school�s Link Officer who has the advantage of familiarity with the school and its strength and weaknesses.

There is some overlap here between the two parallel research projects: the Governors� Role in Monitoring and Evaluating School Performance and School Based Governor Training. It is undoubtedly true that training in all the topics noted above is more effective when delivered to an individual governing body, preferably by a trainer who has knowledge of the school. This training needs to be not just offered, but positively promoted....

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The complete paper is available as an attachment below and in web format on the NGC website.  It is not available in hard copy but will be distributed via email from NGC to members.

This NGC research project was funded by the DfES.