Below is information and links for further details on a range of recent initiatives of interest to governors and schools.  Detailed information on Awards and Accreditation-based schemes can be found on the GovernorNet article (see Background below).  Weblinks below take you to further information on each initiative.

Building Schools for the Future
An initiative to enable true reform to take place in the way funding is allocated, the way in which schools are fundamentally organised, the way education transformation is achieved, the way schools are designed, and the way school buildings and facilities are procured. A commitment has been made to achieve a step-change in the quality of school buildings for every secondary pupil; to create an environment for education transformation and innovation.

eLCs
Curriculum Online is central to the Government's drive to transform teaching and learning in schools by improving access to ICT and multimedia resources for all pupils. The Government has set aside substantial funds for schools to spend on multimedia resources in the form of eLCs (Electronic Learning Credits). The money is distributed from central Government via local authorities (LAs) to individual schools, which decide locally how to spend it.

Growing Schools
Programme designed to tackle the barriers to outdoor learning by harnessing the potential of the "outdoor classroom" as a teaching and learning resource. 

Listening to Learn from Young People
The contribution made by young people who have been consulted on DCSF policies under the Listening to Learn initiative is outlined in a progress report available via the DCSF Listening to Learn website.

London Challenge
This initiative comprises a range of activities and funding to help raise standards in secondary schools and includes London Business Challenge, London Leadership Challenge and London Student Pledge.  Extensive information is available via the TeacherNet website.

New Relationship with Schools Programme (NRwS)
The development of a new relationship with schools is a key part of the Government’s agenda to reform the education system to focus more keenly on raising standards for all through personalised learning.  The Department is consulting with schools and LAs to form a purposeful tripartite group which, through open dialogue and partnership links, including school governors and Ofsted, will create a positive new relationship with schools. 

Playing for Success
The DCSF Playing for Success initiative is establishing out of school hours study support centres at football clubs and other sports’ grounds.  The centres use the environment and medium of football, rugby and other sports as motivational tools, and focus on raising literacy, numeracy and ICT standards amongst KS2 and 3 pupils who are struggling a little and often demotivated.