Good Governance provides strategic direction and oversight to schools, Academies, and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs). It creates robust accountability and assurance for their educational and financial performance and is ambitious for all children and young people to achieve the very best outcomes.
We offer independent and impartial advice in and outside of meetings and support the chair and others in ensuring the board remains strategic and focused on its core functions. All members of the Governor Services team have a wide range of experience in supporting governing boards with skills development, the fulfilment of statutory duties and guiding them on any complex issues.
What does our service provide?
- Professional clerking which is much more than taking minutes to record the discussions and decisions of the board. We provide governing boards with expert advice on governance, procedures and compliance which directly contributes to a boards efficient conduct. Our experienced team have a vital role to play in meeting the administrative and procedural requirements of boards and enabling efficient and effective discussion and decision making.
- A comprehensive training programme for governors which has been linked to the core priorities of school governance. Our sessions cover a range of up-to-date topics, keeping governors informed of the latest law changes and Department for Education (DE) information.
- Advice and support on all aspects of governance, including assistance with complex procedural issues.
Autumn term governor briefing.
Our Autumn term briefing equips governors with the latest updates, statutory guidance, and strategic priorities for the 2025–26 academic year. It covers a wide range of topics including safeguarding (KCSiE 2025), RSHE curriculum reforms, EYFS framework updates, and the evolving role of governors in educational visits. Key themes include inclusivity, pupil wellbeing, and the impact of AI in schools, alongside practical responsibilities such as overseeing school food standards, pay awards, and climate action planning.
Governors are guided through new legislation such as Martyn’s Law, the revised Ofsted Inspection Framework, and the Curriculum & Assessment Review. Each section highlights governors’ legal and strategic duties, offering clear actions and links to further resources. The spotlight theme this term—educational visits—emphasises governors’ role in ensuring safety, inclusivity, and alignment with school values.
Whether you're a seasoned governor or newly appointed, this briefing provides the clarity and confidence needed to support school leadership, challenge effectively, and uphold high standards.
You can download a copy by opening the document, then select File >Download.
Governor Services
Gareth McQuillan
Governor Services Coordinator (Interim) & School Improvement Advisor
Science, Careers & Post 16, Safeguarding
gareth.mcquillan@northtyneside.gov.uk
Sharon Ravenhall
Casual Governor Support Officer
Governor Support
sharon.ravenhall@northtyneside.gov.uk
