Navigating the waves of change in education governance just got a sea change as the Department for Education (DfE) unveils their newly updated governance guides. The guiding north star? Simplification and clarity, without the burden of added requirements.
As a trustee or board member, you might be bracing for the tide of new responsibilities, but there's good news on this voyage: the DfE's updated guides aren't laden with additional duties. Your compass for action? Simply steer your awareness towards these new guides, diving into their pages to ensure your governance ship is in shipshape.
The now-defunct Governance Handbook and its associated frameworks have been consumed by the vast ocean of the past. Rising from the depths is the Academy Trust Governance Guide, a beacon which encapsulates the wisdom of the DfE's Trust Quality Descriptions. This is not mere flotsam; it's a streamlined vessel reflecting policy evolutions over the last 18 months.
The 'purpose of governance' has set sail, mapping out strategic leadership, accountability, and assurance, and strategic engagement. These coordinates replace the trifecta of what was once known as the 'core functions', charting a course for a clear focus for those at the helm of governance.
A new lighthouse shines for Maintained schools, separate from that of trusts. No longer will they navigate by the Governance Competency Framework or Governance Structures and Roles guidance; these have been archived in the lore of old. Now, a concise summary of key policies acts as a clear constellation guiding the way.
Also, important is the section playing out the captain's part - chair's action, detailing the scenarios where decisions can be made without the consensus of the crew. For headteachers, there's clarity on reporting to the board, ensuring smooth sailing when it comes to delegated duties and compliance.
The board's shipshape estate management responsibilities now include a charter on asbestos, keeping the governance vessel healthy and strong. Setting sail on performance management, the new guides expect governance professionals (clerks) to be navigated with robust oversight.
So, as the governance seas change with these updated guides, remember that no new winds blow in the form of requirements. Take the helm, familiarize yourself with this new map, and let it guide your educational governance journey.
#EducationGovernance #StrategicLeadership #AcademyTrusts
Senior HSE Engineer ADNOC PMC KBR (Hail& Ghasha Ultra Sour Gas Project - Artificial Islands), Abu Dhabi, UAE, NEBOSH (IGC), OSHA, ISO 45001, 14001 & 9001 Lead Auditor (IRCA-CQI), IOSH, RPO, ADNOC Approved.
2mocongratulations