All HFL Education’s governance training is linked to the DfE Competency Framework for Governors and is the standard we would encourage all governors to achieve.

Our GREAT Pathway training is recommended for all governors and associate members in maintained schools, and trustees and members in academies, MATs and local academy boards. 

Training to be an Effective Governor

All those in governance should complete the Introduction to Governance online training available as part of the Modern Governor service in the first month of their appointment to support their understanding of the governor role. Governors of subscribing schools can access this training via their GovernorHub account. 

Comprising two modules, this training offers a basic understanding of the governor role. Prior to beginning the course, it’s beneficial to have completed the Induction for Governors course, which is delivered by one of our experienced trainers. This can also be booked via GovernorHub.

We also recommend that new governors complete the online Safeguarding and Governance course during the first month of appointment. As above, this module is available via the Modern Governor service.

PREVENT  training

Prevent training on Modern Governor sits within the umbrella of safeguarding training. The Prevent strategy is designed to reduce the terrorism threat to the UK by stopping people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism and is an essential part of early training for governors.

Governor visits training

Governor visits training is available via Modern Governor or face to face and ensures all those within governance, either as governors or trustees understand the objective of visiting a school.

Once you have undertaken this training, other courses in the pathway will give you a strong foundation to build your governance career and experience. 

There are no time scales. Completion of these trainings can be achieved to fit in with your availability, but we recommend that participants should work towards becoming an ‘Expert’ governor by the end of your first term of office (normally 4 years). 

The GREAT development pathway

By following a general governance pathway, you will acquire all the necessary skills and knowledge you need to become an Effective governor, before hopefully moving to Experienced and then Expert.

We recommend that during induction/mentoring you shadow one or two governor visits.

Effective governor

As you become more effective, you may want to develop your expertise further.

This may involve building on an existing specialism (e.g., a background in finance or accounting, human resources, or safeguarding and welfare) or developing additional specialist knowledge.

In this way you can develop your own ‘expertise’. (This is often referred to as your ‘Link’ governor role).

Experienced governor

At this stage you should be familiar and confident with your role in terms of preparation for meetings, research, effective in challenge and support, familiar with relevant policies and procedures.

An Experienced Governor might consider taking on other responsibilities such as Chair of a Committee, Vice Chair, or supporting new governors as their mentor.

Expert governor

At this point, you should be considering or have had the opportunity to chair a meeting/hearing, lead on a project or a working party. At this stage, if not already in place, taking on a Chair role is highly recommended.