Open, honest and transparent discussions about Governance, inspired by the Education sector in the UK. This podcast is hosted by governance practitioners, for new, experienced or prospective board members, such as school governor and academy trustee volunteers, to learn and develop. We share and provide insights into the realities of sitting on governing boards and leaning into strategic leadership. Connect with us to better govern your life!
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Agenda Item 43 - 10X Your Governance and Govern A.I. | #TheGovernorsPodcast
56:20
56:20
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Welcome to the academic year 2024-25! This episode offers a compelling mix of personal updates, professional insights, and forward-looking strategies to enrich your governance journey. By listening to this episode, you will:- Catch up with the hosts as they reflect on their activities over the summer, discussing how the month of August uniquely imp…
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Agenda Item 42 - Legally Independent with Kenji Batchelor | #TheGovernorsPodcast
1:04:59
1:04:59
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For today's Single Item Agenda to close the summer term of 23/24, we are joined by guest speaker; Kenji Batchelor, an Education Law Partner in Bristol, specialises in advising independent and special schools on legal issues, governance, and strategic projects, with over 14 years of board experience. By listening to this episode, you will:- Understa…
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Agenda Item 41 - Heading Upwards, Outwards and Forwards with Amy Whittall | #TheGovernorsPodcast
1:14:33
1:14:33
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For today's Single Item Agenda we are joined by a guest speaker; Amy Whittall, Executive Director for Trust Development at The Mercian Trust, oversees People Leadership and Organisational Culture, after nearly 7 years as Headteacher of King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls. By listening to this episode, you will:- Trace the exceptional journey…
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Agenda Item 40 - Living a Governance Lifestyle with Karl George MBE | #TheGovernorsPodcast
1:13:23
1:13:23
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For today's Single Item Agenda we are joined by a guest speaker; Dr Karl George MBE, a thought-leader and internationally established consultant in governance, is a Partner and Head of Governance at RSM, part of the ESG team. By listening to this episode, you will:- Explore the remarkable journey of a leading corporate governance practitioner, span…
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Agenda Item 39 - Meeting Minutes… Writing for Hours but Reading in Seconds? | #TheGovernorsPodcast
52:37
52:37
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; Meeting packs (meeting papers) that school governors and academy trustees receive to read in preparation for upcoming governing board meetings The importance of the agenda item ‘Minutes of the Previous Meeting’ and how to approach it - Don’t simply scroll, skip or skim past this paper! The proce…
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Agenda Item 38 - Getting Over the Load | #TheGovernorsPodcast
1:02:16
1:02:16
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), as we acknowledge 3 years of the podcast, we discuss; Transitioning from the end of the autumn term to the beginning of the spring term and how to ensure we retain our current volunteers and encourage others to join The volume of emails from mailing list subscriptions in the education governance space and m…
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Agenda Item 37 - Sitting on Both Sides of an Exclusion Panel with Shekeila Scarlett | #TheGovernorsPodcast
1:14:30
1:14:30
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we are joined by a guest speaker; Shekeila Scarlett, an Operations Manager for Transport for London and one of the youngest Chair of Governors in the country, governing at the only maintained secondary school in Hackney To discuss; Personal experience of the UK education system and the impact on life and car…
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Agenda Item 36 - Inside an Ofsted inspection with Paula Thorne | #TheGovernorsPodcast
49:51
49:51
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we are joined by a guest speaker; Paula Thorne, currently serving as a parent governor and EDI link governor at a primary school which has recently (as of 2023) received an Ofsted rating of ‘Outstanding’ in all categories To discuss; Being and championing parent governors When Ofsted arrives after over a dec…
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Agenda Item 35 - Conferences: Confessions of a (Non) Attendee | #TheGovernorsPodcast
49:09
49:09
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we discuss; Attending conferences and events in the Education sector - When and where do they take place? Who organises/hosts/delivers them? What can governors, trustees, clerks and governance professionals, senior leaders and others gain from these? How governance conferences differ from governor training B…
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Agenda Item 34 - Leadership Insights from a MAT CEO with Nick Hudson | #TheGovernorsPodcast
59:54
59:54
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we begin Season 4 and a new academic year with a guest speaker; Nick Hudson, former CEO of Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT), joins us to discuss juggling operational and strategic leadership What does the role of a CEO of a 40+ schools Multi-Academy Trust look like? The recruitment process of a MAT Chief Execu…
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Agenda Item 33 - Let’s Pause and Get Some Context (Season Finale) | #TheGovernorsPodcast
53:53
53:53
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we discuss; The finale of Season 3 of this podcast and its recent achievement, ranked No.4 out of 70 for the Best UK Education podcasts across 1000s - https://blog.feedspot.com/uk_education_podcasts/ An email from a listener about the experiences of being a young governor on governing boards How the educatio…
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Agenda Item 32 - Comments, Criticisms and Challenges | #TheGovernorsPodcast
55:18
55:18
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we discuss; How to give and receive constructive criticism - Being a critical friend How environments can influence how you show up - The significance of preparing for meetings to avoid awkward silences Navigating different personalities and delivery styles when communicating What are your barriers to succes…
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Agenda Item 31 - Sorry, not Sorry but Spring has Sprung | #TheGovernorsPodcast
34:56
34:56
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we discuss; The change in intensity throughout the academic year - Are you always crawling or counting down to the next school holidays? How to better understand ‘Apologies’ for meetings - and learning not to feel guilty if you need to say ‘No’ or take a step away Balancing commitments and priorities can fee…
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Agenda Item 30 - New Year, New Hat, More Me | #TheGovernorsPodcast
49:50
49:50
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Happy 2023! For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we discuss; The matrix of answering the question “What do you do?” Spotlight yourself! Opening up the dialogue about ‘Governance’ within your current circles - personal and professional, with family members, friends and coworkers What does volunteering look like? How does education/school governa…
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Agenda Item 29 - We Listen To You Too | #TheGovernorsPodcast
1:15:11
1:15:11
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To celebrate 10,000+ downloads / listens in less than 2 years, for today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we share/respond to comments and questions we’ve received from you, our listeners. We want to thank you all, with special mention of messages from; Paula - Ideas for EDI / DEI / D&I in schools and academies, and a Link Governor Role Description J…
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Agenda Item 28 - Tick Tock Goes The Boardroom Clock | #TheGovernorsPodcast
38:10
38:10
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we discuss; The Schedule of Meeting Dates and Times - From Meetings During School Day To Evenings After The Standard Work Hours Do Meeting Times, Location and Durations Create Barriers For Entry, Retention and/or Progression? Implementing Reviews For A Holistic View Of The Governing Board(s) How Do Companies…
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Agenda Item 27 - Unblurring Fine Lines | #TheGovernorsPodcast
49:11
49:11
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we kickstart Season 3 and discuss; How To Navigate The Strategic vs. Operational Landscape At A Governing Board Level The New Suspensions and Exclusions Guidance (September 2022) and Appreciating The Process For Those Writing Policies Asking Questions and Setting Plans For Yourself As An Individual Governor/…
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Agenda Item 26 - Speak Up for The Silent Contributor | #TheGovernorsPodcast
40:22
40:22
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we wrap up Season 2 and discuss; The Visibility, Voices and Value of Clerks and Governance Professionals Clerks Are Fundamental In The Coordination and Execution of Good Governance Practice and Procedure, incl. Exclusion Panels, Staff Complaints Committees, Appeals, as well as All The Other Meetings and Move…
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Agenda Item 25 - Being Passionate and Becoming Proficient with Jo Phillips | #TheGovernorsPodcast
43:10
43:10
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we invite our FIRST special guest, and discuss; Different Places and Resources To Become More Informed About Governance in Education, ie. The Hoot - https://thehoot.news/ Education Governance Needs To Go Beyond The Sector and Recognising the CPD Opportunities - What Is The Profile Of Governance In Wider Soci…
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Agenda Item 24.3 - To Feel Seen. To Feel Heard. Representation Matters! (Diversity: PART 3) | #TheGovernorsPodcast
36:17
36:17
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; What Are The 9 Protected Characteristics of the Equality Act 2010? Speaking From Lived Experiences The Importance of Representation - How You Can Attract, Find and Recruit Diverse Governors Who Feel A Connection To Your Environment / School Community - What You Say vs. What You Do… Matters! Dive…
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Agenda Item 24.2 - 18+? No Prior Experience Required! (Diversity: PART 2) | #TheGovernorsPodcast
49:00
49:00
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49:00
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; The Importance and Necessity of Diversity of Age On Boards and Governing Bodies - Bringing The Boardroom Into The 21st Century, By Having Younger People Around The Table Who Bring The Lived Experience Understanding the Difference Between Culture-Add and Culture-Fit How To Include The Student Voi…
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Agenda Item 24.1 - Seeing The Faces and Races in Your Spaces (Diversity: PART 1) | #TheGovernorsPodcast
50:59
50:59
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; Kickstarting A Diversity Mini Series and The Importance of Recognising, Honouring and Representing Difference (Protected Characteristics) - Let’s Have More Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Link Governors As Mandatory Roles with a Role Description Understanding That Your Lived Experiences Heavil…
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Agenda Item 23 - Fight The Fear of Finance | #TheGovernorsPodcast
36:03
36:03
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36:03
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; The Myth of Requiring An Accountancy Background To Be A Member of the Finance Committee and/or Justifiably Participating In Discussions About The School’s Budget and Financial Activities Understanding The Money Management From The Inside - It’s Really Just Income and Expenditure But Narrative Is…
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Agenda Item 22 - It’s Better To Be Safe Than… | #TheGovernorsPodcast
37:09
37:09
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; The Importance of Having a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Checking Cycle - How Long Is Too Long Without A New One? What Does Your Code of Conduct Say and Are Your Upholding It? Actual Barriers vs. Perceived Barriers - The Fear of The Past Haunting Present Day Opportunities To Give Back… Kn…
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Agenda Item 21 - Seeing Double! Kickstarting 2022 with Vision? | #TheGovernorsPodcast
1:01:10
1:01:10
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; "NEW YEAR, NEW ....." What's The Difference Between a School's Mission, Ethos, Vision, Purpose, Intent/Identity and Values? (Reference: Leigh Cowan 2019's MEVPIV) and The Increasing Importance of Embedding ESG = Environmental, Social and Governance Thinking of the Lifespan Of The Child What We C…
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Agenda Item 20 - Personalities, Presence, Characteristics and Culture | #TheGovernorsPodcast
41:15
41:15
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; What Is Your/Others’ Personality Types? How well do you know and understand yourself, first? Addressing Diversity In Its Broadest Sense How To Be Engaged In Different Meeting Setups (Cameras On vs Cameras Off) Understanding The Characteristics Around The Table In Governance (Dr Karl George MBE) …
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Agenda Item 19.2 - Vice Chairs: Stepping Up or Sitting Back? (PART 2) | #TheGovernorsPodcast
35:07
35:07
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; What Is The True Purpose of a Vice Chair? - Attendance and Apologies In Relation To Chairs Managing Limiting Beliefs Around Self-Nominations and The ‘Courteous’ Process for Nominating Someone Else - Is Change Needed? Do You Have The Confidence To Nominate Someone? The Relationship Between the Ch…
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Agenda Item 19.1 - To Chair or Not To Chair? (PART 1) | #TheGovernorsPodcast
40:06
40:06
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; Considering The Mobility (of lack thereof) of Chairs, ie. Assumed and or Automatic Re-elections How The Chair and Vice Chair Duo Can Be Developed For Succession Planning The Characteristics and Personalities of Chairs - Is There A Specific / Desirable Profile? Chairs Lead The Board (Strategic Bo…
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Agenda Item 18 - Dear Clerks… Thank You! | #TheGovernorsPodcast
52:12
52:12
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; Understanding the Clerk’s Role and Responsibilities Clerking Is So Much More Than Minute-Taking For Meetings - But Minutes Are Still Very Important, So Please Read Them and Feedback! Developing Professional Relationships Between The Individuals In Governance Spaces Being The Nucleus - The Truth …
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Agenda Item 17 - Let’s Audit The Skills Audit | #TheGovernorsPodcast
39:23
39:23
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; The Purpose of The Skills Audit - What Is It and What Does It Include? Does The Skills Audit Truly Reflect The Skills Around The Table? How To Make Our Use of the Skills Audit More Useful - Is Training Required For It? The Limitations of the Skills Audit - Who and What Does It Exclude? Using Cas…
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Agenda Item 16 - You’re Not Ofsted!! | #TheGovernorsPodcast
31:15
31:15
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; Are Governor Visits Mandatory? How To Record and Report On Visits At Meetings Creating A Strategic Plan / Schedule, Involving All Governors and Why That Could Help Everyone Knowing What Governor Visits Entail and What The Expectations Are - You’re Not Ofsted, So You’re Not There To Inspect Examp…
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Agenda Item 15 - Anything To Declare? | #TheGovernorsPodcast
37:14
37:14
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To kickstart Season 2 (and the academic year 2021 / 22) in today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; The Annual Mammoth Task of Coordinating and Completing Paperwork (from Declarations of Interests to Related Party Transaction Forms, DBS checks included?) What Do You Actually Declare On The Forms? Why Is It Important? Examples of Platforms …
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Agenda Item 14 - Any Other Business Before We Adjourn? (Season Finale) | #TheGovernorsPodcast
47:21
47:21
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; Understanding Your Target Audience and Choosing The Right Platform To Connect Our Community of Listeners Out There - We Wanted To Acknowledge You and Thank You! Any Favourite Episodes Or Moments? What Have We Learned From This Season? Plans For The Future (ie. Upcoming Seasons Of The Show - What…
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Agenda Item 13 - 10s of Policies, 100s of Pages | #TheGovernorsPodcast
50:40
50:40
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; Writing, Updating and Approving Policies - Which Ones Are Statutory? (See Department for Education website) What Is The Cycle or Schedule for Review and Ratification? Who Has Designated Responsibility / Oversight? Challenge, Congratulate and Influence Change From The Top-Down: How To Approach an…
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Agenda Item 12 - Be 'Lazy' or Make A Change? | #TheGovernorsPodcast
36:45
36:45
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; What Is Training and Our Relationship With It? incl. Habits, Confessions, Sharing Best Practice and Strategies Styles Of Delivery Affect The Learning Process - How Engaging Is The Training? Ensure Relevance, and Measure The Impact of Training (Feedback/Feedforward Opportunities) Timescales - Tra…
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Agenda Item 11 - Say It Loud and Proud ... Consistently | #TheGovernorsPodcast
31:55
31:55
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31:55
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; How Do You View And Rate “Being A School Governor”? The Visibility of School Governance - Let’s Talk About Governance More and Make It Attractive (Goal: Oversubscription) How Effective Is Your Communication, About Governance, With The Changing Generations In The School Community and Wider Societ…
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Agenda Item 10 - Move Out? Move On. Move Forward! | #TheGovernorsPodcast
25:33
25:33
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25:33
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; The Importance Of Planning Your Exit Before You Enter The Space Be Careful With Becoming Too Comfortable / Complacent How Long Is Too Long As A School Governor In The Same School? Succession Planning Starts With The Number of Terms of Office (or Years) A Governor Intends To Serve A School / Acad…
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Agenda Item 09 - The Great Debate: Team Virtual or Team In Person | #TheGovernorsPodcast
42:25
42:25
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42:25
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; Meetings Are Not Social Gatherings And Governor Visits Are To Be Considered Separately Challenging The Language “When We Go Back To (Normal)…” The Realties and Practicalities Of Face-to-Face (F2F) Meetings vs. Virtual Meetings That Are Not Being Talked About Enough - Have You Consulted Your Gove…
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Agenda Item 08 - Portals, Plugs and Pet Peeves | #TheGovernorsPodcast
37:16
37:16
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meets - What Say You? Virtual Meeting Etiquette - Please Mute Your Mic and Cut Your Camera, As Appropriate! Calendar Invites - Is This A “Do” or “Don’t” ?! Which Governor Platforms Do You Use and What Features Do You Like incl. Annotations and Electronic Voting? (…
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Agenda Item 07 - Meeting Papers.. Everyone’s Nightmare! | #TheGovernorsPodcast
36:24
36:24
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; Printed Papers vs. Electronic Papers Warning New Governors About The Length of Papers During The Induction Process Tips for Clerks / Governance Professionals and Contributors To The Papers Letting The Agenda Be Your Guide - Note Items For Discussion, Decision or Information Consideration, Effici…
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Agenda Item 06 - Is Two Too Many? | #TheGovernorsPodcast
30:07
30:07
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30:07
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; Contrast of Settings, Spectrum of Characters Keeping Governance Interesting For You You Are Choosing The School, As Much As It Is Choosing You Where Should You Be A School Governor (Next)? Widening Your Exposure and Scope We appreciate you listening to this episode. Please rate, review and subsc…
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Agenda Item 05 - Different Angles, Same Focus | #TheGovernorsPodcast
29:21
29:21
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29:21
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; Knowing The Different Categories of Governors: Maintained Schools vs. Academies Campaigning For Teachers / Support Staff Who Aspire To Leadership To Become Governors In Other Schools Being a Parent Governor Who Appoints Governors, particularly in Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs)? Vacancies and Electi…
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Agenda Item 04 - Are You Really Present? | #TheGovernorsPodcast
26:48
26:48
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; Patterns in Governors’ Attendance When Someone Is Present but Absent At The Same Time Accepting Apologies vs. Noting Apologies Best Practice for Apologies and Good Governance In General Is Being A Governor All About ‘Status’ For Some People? We appreciate you listening to this episode. Please ra…
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Agenda Item 03 - The Truth About The Time Commitment | #TheGovernorsPodcast
31:11
31:11
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; Governor Recruitment - The Struggle Is Real The No. of Meetings and Everything Else - There’s More To It Than The Meetings Consider the Clerk’s Contributions and Coordination Too! Focussing On The Time vs. Focussing On Your “Why” The Time of Meetings Affects Different Stakeholders Differently We…
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Agenda Item 02 - Asking Questions | #TheGovernorsPodcast
27:50
27:50
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27:50
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; Knowing What to, When to, How to Ask Questions and To Whom How To Prepare Questions In Advance Exercising The Responsibility of Accountability and Remaining Strategic Clarifying All/Any Abbreviations How Questions May Vary From One Meeting To The Next (Autumn vs. Spring Term, Committee vs. Local…
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Agenda Item 01 - Being the Only One | #TheGovernorsPodcast
24:29
24:29
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For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss; What It Really Means To Be "The Only One In The Room" How To Embrace Standing Out and Take Responsibility Recognising The Makeup Of The Governing Body/Board and Knowing What Makes You 'The Only One' (ie. new vs. experienced governors, age, specialisms, race, gender, etc.) Ways To Navigate The Sp…
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