We offer a comprehensive range of online courses via webinar, with topics suitable for everyone – from governors just starting out to even the most seasoned governors and also governance professionals.
Those subscribing to our training package can book a place on GovernorHub – those schools not yet subscribing can book to attend a webinar below.
Course dates are added throughout the year so please check back if you do not see a current date for a course you would like to attend. Alternatively, email us at support@buckseducationpartnership.co.uk.
Annual Governor Conference 2024
Webinar – 3 hours
The BEP Annual Governors’ Conference aims to inspire and motivate, and to remind governors why they do what they do. Featuring knowledgeable and expert speakers from the world of education and wider.
Dates
- Friday 17 May 2024, 9:30am
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Some comments from governors that have attended this course …
“It was informative, interesting and kept me engaged”
Gillian D – The Buckinghamshire Primary Pupil Referral Unit / Ivingswood Academy“Good steers as to what inspectors expect from governors”
Sue W – Chair Hawridge and Cholesbury C of E School
Costs
Free to Boards who purchase any Bucks Education Partnership packages. For further information, contact us at support@buckseducationpartnership.co.uk.
Chairs Induction
Webinar – 3 hours
This course, run annually at the beginning of the autumn term, offers clear and practical guidance on the Chairs’ specific remit of leading and managing the work of the Governing Board and an overview of the support available to you.
- Feel more confident about the roles and responsibilities of an effective chair, especially in supporting the Governing Board to drive school improvement
- Practical guidance to assist you in planning the work across the year
- Establish valuable networks with other chairs and share best practice/gain perspective on your role
Dates
- Tuesday 07 November 2023, 9:30am
- November 2024, TBA
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Previous Chairs described this course as …
“Liaising with other chairs and learning about ways to handle the role”
Moira Keane – Chair – St Michael’s Catholic School“Meeting other chairs and feeling not alone”
Christine Moretto – Chair – St Peter’s Catholic Primary School“The networking was, as always, very informative and the table sections were a great way to remind oneself that each school is an individual in respect to problems, staff, pupils and general setting”
Robert Buttery – Chair – Stoke Mandeville
Please note that this course is currently being carried out via online webinar platform. BEP will be in touch with joining instructions in advance of any session. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact support@buckseducationpartnership.co.uk
Costs
£100
Chairs' Termly Strategic Briefing
Webinar – 2 hours
A termly strategic briefing that will keep you up to date and moving forward.
- expert speakers on the latest hot topics in governance
- local governors sharing their views on best practice
- hear about new initiatives and ideas for your board
Chairs, Heads or their representatives from all boards are welcome to attend. This is a free event.
Dates
- Friday 17 November 2023, 9.30am
- Friday 08 March 2024, 9.30am
- Friday 21 June 2024, 9.30am
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Costs
Free
Child Protection & Safeguarding for Governors
Webinar – 2 hours
Understand Governing Board responsibilities for Safeguarding Children in Schools
- Understand the key guidance and legislation that define responsibilities in this area
- Explore the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE)
- Consider the structures that Governing Boards must have in place to ensure that safeguarding duties are discharged effectively
- Understand policies and procedures that should be in place and how these can be monitored
- Understand the principles of Safer Recruitment and the role of the Governing Board in this area
- Consider updated guidance on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence in Schools and College and the processes and procedures that should be in place as a result of this.
Governors will be signposted to documents, crib sheets, audit tools and models during the course to further develop understanding in this area and support for effective governance.
This course is suitable for both new and experienced governors. We recommend that newly appointed / elected governors complete this course as soon as possible after election / appointment and that safeguarding training is refreshed every 2 years.
Dates
- Monday 20 November 2023, 7:00pm
- Tuesday 23 January 2024, 9:30am
- Monday 04 March 2024, 7:00pm
- Wednesday 01 May 2024, 9:30am
- Monday 17 June 2024, 7:00pm
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Some comments from governors that attended this course…
“The trainer’s “experience and knowledge were incredibly valuable and appreciated”
Kirsten Snook, Governor” – The John Hampden School“I liked the “depth of content and documentation, plus real world examples”
Daniel Mason, Governor” – Holmer Green First School and Pre School
Costs
£75
Clerking Complaints
Webinar – 2 hours
This course is aimed at Clerks to governing boards who wish to know more about their role with regards to the school complaints process and procedure. This one off session will give you an in-depth understanding of the process.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understanding the role of the Clerk leading up to, during and following a complaints hearing
- Understand the different stages and correct procedure when dealing with a complaint from a parent or member of the community about the school or academy.
- Understand actions for the Clerks before, during and after the complaint
- Understand where to access further support or resources.
Dates
- Friday 24 November 2023, 9:30am
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Costs
£75
Clerking Exclusion Hearings
Webinar – 2 hours
This course will cover the role of the clerk and governors in permanent and fixed term exclusions.
- What the school must comply with
- What takes place before, during and after a hearing
- Independent Review Panels
- Case studies
Dates
- Wednesday 28 February 2024, 9:30am
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Costs
£75
Development Governors' Forum
Webinar – 2 hours
Understand how to enable your governors to become skilled and knowledgeable in order to drive and deliver the work of the Governing Board. Local and national updates for experienced Development Governors about the opportunities available for their Governing Boards
- Be informed about current and new courses on offer, including e-learning and whole Governing Board training opportunities
- Plan and consider your Governing Board’s development requirements with the Governor Services Team, in line with the Competency Framework for Governance
- Understand how Governor Hub can support your schools’ body of evidence
- Discuss topical matters which relate to the Development Governor’s role and share good practice with fellow Development Governors
- Be clearer about reporting on a termly basis to the Governing Board and share good practices in keeping records and identifying needs
- Feel confident about promoting courses to governors, including e-learning
Dates
- Friday 10 May 2024, 9:30am
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Costs
£75
Effective Challenge and Accountability
Webinar – 2 hours
Explore how Governing Boards can professionally and appropriately support their school’s senior leadership team in delivering their strategic priorities.
- Understand the importance of developing positive relationships and trust between the Governing Board and school staff
- Understand what effective challenge is and how this can be used to move things forwards
- Learn how to get the balance right between supporting, challenging and holding the leadership team to account
Dates
- Wednesday, 15 November 2023, 9.30am
- Monday, 25 March 2024, 7.00pm
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Some comments about this course from our governors …
“Good insight and ideas on how to better challenge the school in a more effective way”.
David Montague – Millbrook combined School“As a new governor it was a great insight into the role and responsibilities of governors”
Stephen Whelan – Manor Farm Community Infant School
Costs
£75
Effective Governor Visits
Webinar – 2 hours
Governor visits are an important way for governors to get to know their school. They form an important element of the governing board’s strategic monitoring role. This course will help you:
- Recognise the key elements of an effective governors visit
- Understand how to maintain a strategic outlook when undertaking visits to your school
- Identify good practice when reporting back to your Governing Board and following up on actions identified
New Governors, those wishing to refresh their knowledge or those wishing to gain a new perspective are welcome to attend.
Dates
- Tuesday 28 November 2023, 9:30am
- Wednesday 06 March 2024, 9:30am
- Thursday 06 June 2024, 7:00pm
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Costs
£75
Finance for Maintained School Governors
Webinar – 2 hours
This course is aimed at maintained school governors to provide a better understanding of your schools budget and finance matters to enable you to ask informed questions and to support and challenge decisions. We will look at:
- Understand the mechanics of school finance
- Financial Plan and 3-year Plan
- Breaking through the jargon
- The role of governors in strategic financial planning and management
- Recognise key areas of scrutiny
- Introduction to Schools Financial Value Standard (SFVS), School Fund, and PTA Fundraising
Dates
- Wednesday 24 January 2024, 9:30am
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Costs
£75
GDPR for Governors
Webinar – 2 hours
Understand the principles of GDPR and how they apply to schools
- What a GDPR compliant school looks like
- The Role of the Governing Board in monitoring GDPR compliance
- The Role of the Data Protection Governor
This course is suitable for all governors, but may be of particular interest to new governors or to those who have taken on the role of Data Protection Governor.
Dates
- Wednesday 07 February 2024, 9:30am
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Costs
£75
Getting The Most Out of GovernorHub
Webinar – 2 hours
An opportunity for all governors, clerks or goverance professionals, new or experienced, to have a live demonstration of GovernorHub and to see how it can be used to maximise boards’ effectiveness.
The course will cover
- a practical and comprehensive demonstration of the features of GovernorHub, including ensuring all statutory requirements of boards are covered, adding and sharing documents, maximising communicating across the board, etc.
- a focus on key areas to ensure you get the most out of the platform
- how GovernorHub allows boards to strengthen the pillars of effective governance,
- how the effective use of GovernorHub ensures a comprehensive and compliant body of evidence ahead of inspection.
If possible, it is suggested that delegates might like to set themselves up with two screens – one to see the webinar demonstration and the other to follow along real-time in their own board’s GovernorHub. This isn’t essential though.
Dates
- Friday 03 November 2023, 9:30am
- Thursday 23 May 2024, 9:30am
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Testimonials:
“I didn’t expect this training to tell me much as I had looked around already. But it was amazing. Such a powerful tool and great interactive training. Thank you”
“I liked the Interactive chat and being taken through the hub live with the ability to ask questions as we go.”
“So informative and interactive with questions answered immediately. BRILLIANT!”
Costs
£75
Governance of SEND
Webinar – 2 hours
Understand the role and duties of the Governing Board in providing education for children with SEND
- Understand the regulatory framework and requirements of the SEND Code of Practice
- Understand the Role of the SENCO and the SEND Governor
- Find out more about reporting requirements
- Get updates on SEND best practice and on local and national issues relevant to governance of SEND
Dates
- Tuesday 05 December 2023, 9:30am
- Friday 05 July 2024, 9:30am
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Costs
£75
Handling Complaints
Webinar – 2 hours
This session will inform governors about their role in the process of handling complaints, should they arise.
Dates
- Tuesday 30 January 2024, 9:30am
- Wednesday 12 June 2024, 9:30am
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Costs
£75
Headteacher Performance Management
Webinar – 2 hours
Clarify your knowledge of the Governing Board’s role in holding the school to account for the performance of all staff, including the Headteacher, and in linking pay to progression
- Understand how an embedded performance management process across the whole school can provide governors with evaluative information
- Grasp the use of Teachers’ Standards and the link between performance and pay to better challenge your school
- Have a holistic view of your school and the role of the headteacher in order to undertake their performance management review
This course is particularly suitable for Performance Management Governors.
Dates
- Thursday 13 June 2024, 9:30am
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Costs
£75
Introduction to Finance for maintained and academy school governors
Webinar – 2 hours
Introduction to Finance for maintained and academy school governors to achieve an understanding of schools budgets
- Schools Financial Framework – understand the strategic aspect of schools budgets and the role Governors play
- How schools are funded; what makes up a schools budget allocation
- Additional pockets of funding (such as sports premium and pupil premium)
- Considerations when setting a balanced budget and longer term planning
- Steering schools through financial difficulties
Dates
- Tuesday 21 November 2023, 19:00am
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Costs
£75
Introduction to Governance
Webinar – 3 hours
Carrying out induction is vital for all new governors. The webinar is carried out over three hour long modules and covers:
The Core Functions of Governance
- explaining the three core functions of governance
- developing understanding of the strategic role of the Governing Board
- signposting to key governance documents and frameworks
- exploring what makes governance effective
Setting Strategic Direction
- exploring the nature of vision, ethos and values the importance of these in strategic planning
- explaining the key documents and frameworks most commonly used to plan and monitor
- discussing the reporting cycle and what governors can expect from executive leaders
- developing understanding of effective challenge and support
Governance In Practice
- exploring governance structures
- discussing governor roles and signposting to relevant resources
- developing understanding of effective governor visits
- highlighting the tools and resources available to governors to effectively fulfil their roles
Dates
- Wednesday 29 November 2023, 6:30pm
- Friday 09 February 2024, 9:30am
- Wednesday 13 March 2024, 6:30pm
- Friday 03 May 2024, 9:30am
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Some comments from governors that have attended …
“Enlightening! “Knowing this support system is available to us, is reassuring”.
Carla Martin – Governor – Buckingham Park“Very informative and supportive and the trainers had excellent knowledge”
Victoria White – Bledlow Ridge School“As a new Governor, all of the content was relevant to me. I particularly appreciated the sign-posting to future reading/courses and the opportunity to hear perspectives from other participants”
Lisa Dodgshon – Governor – Tylers Green Middle School
Costs
£100
Introduction to Performance Data (Primary)
Webinar – 2 hours
Understand how governors hold schools to account for the educational performance of their school and its pupils
- Understand how to monitor progress and provide challenge to your school
- Learn about the national systems which report on school performance
- Inform the process of school self-evaluation
New Governors and those wishing to refresh their knowledge are welcome to attend.
Dates
- Tuesday 21 November 2023, 9:30am
- Wednesday 24 April 2024, 7:00pm
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Costs
£75
Introduction to Performance Data (Secondary)
Webinar – 2 hours
Understand how governors hold schools to account for the educational performance of their school and its pupils
- Understand how to monitor progress and provide challenge to your school
- Learn about the national systems which report on school performance
- Inform the process of school self-evaluation
New Governors and those wishing to refresh existing knowledge are both welcome to attend.
Dates
- Wednesday 21 February 2024, 7:00pm
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Costs
£75
Introduction to the Primary Curriculum
Webinar – 2 hours
Build a foundation of knowledge about the current curriculum and the role that governors should play. This course will support governors to develop an overview of the key stage 1 and 2 national curriculum.
Delegates will consider:
- The key objectives of the curriculum and explore what is meant by the term a ‘broad and balanced curriculum’
- How the curriculum is assessed at the end of key stage 1 and 2 and consider how the assessment information generated within the school and by statutory assessments drives teaching and learning in a school
- Pupils’ prior learning in the foundation stage and how the primary curriculum supports pupils moving onto secondary school.
Newly appointed governors and those joining a Teaching and Learning or Curriculum Committee for the first time may like to attend this course alongside anyone wishing to ensure the curriculum is understood on their board.
Dates
- Thursday 18 January 2024. 7:00pm
- Thursday 27 June 2024, 9:30am
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Costs
£75
Mental Health and Well-Being : The Role of the Governing Board
Webinar – 2 hours
Review your Governor responsibilities around the issues of Mental Health & Wellbeing
- Relevant legislation and current issues facing governors
- Explore the Strategic Role of the Governing Board and the impact that you could have on your School
- Consider how you as a Governor can and should get involved
- Working strategically rather than operationally
- Holding schools to account by working in partnership
- Sharing and debating best practice
Dates
- Friday 23 February 2024, 9:30am
- Wednesday 22 May 2024, 7:00pm
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Comments from governors that have attended this course
“I found it an excellent course with a wealth of knowledge delivered by the trainer. It was also comforting to hear how much schools are already doing but of course the point of the course was to reinforce the role of our Governors. The message delivered was clear”
Clare P – Elangeni School“Very comprehensive context and it was delivered well”.
Victoria W – Bledlow Ridge School“A new (for me) topic for Governor Training, with an interesting experience – and research-led approach”
Peter Lerner – Lane End Primary School and member of BASG
Costs
£75
Ofsted: A Governor's Guide
Webinar – 2 hours
Understand the Education Inspection Framework and the role of the Governing Board in school inspections
- Understand the inspection process and implications for governors
- Consider the four key judgement areas ‘Quality of Education’, ‘Behaviour and Attitudes’, ‘Personal Development’ and ‘Leadership and Management’ and what inspectors will be looking for evidence of when visiting your school
- Explore understanding of ‘Intent, Implementation and Impact’
- Understand current priorities and likely areas of challenge or questioning
- Discuss what inspectors may be looking for in the Governing Boards monitoring and evaluation procedures
- Feel more confident about preparing for an inspection and the expectations of your role
Dates
- Wednesday 31 January 2024, 7:00pm
- Thursday 18 April 2024, 9:30am
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Some comments from governors that have attended this course …
“It was informative, interesting and kept me engaged”
Gillian D – The Buckinghamshire Primary Pupil Referral Unit / Ivingswood Academy“Good steers as to what inspectors expect from governors”
Sue W – Chair Hawridge and Cholesbury C of E School
Costs
£75
Pay and Performance : The Role of Governors
Webinar – 1 hour
This course will cover:
- The role of governors in pay and performance processes for teaching staff at a whole school level
- The structures and policies that Governing Boards should have in place to fulfil responsibilities in this area
- The legislation and guidance that governors should be aware of to effectively complete and scrutinise pay and performance processes and decisions
- Questions governors may wish to ask to effectively challenge and satisfy themselves that decisions relating to pay and performance are fair and justified
Dates
- Tuesday 11 June 2024, 9:30am
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Costs
£50
Reducing and Managing Allegations Against Staff
Webinar – 2 hours
This course is designed to assist headteachers, chairs/vice chairs and safeguarding governors to promote safe working practices by all staff and volunteers within school in order to reduce the risk of allegations of inappropriate conduct and harm to children. The course will also cover how to deal effectively with any allegations against staff, in the event of allegations being made.
The course aims are to help delegates:
- Understand the key guidance and legislation that define responsibilities in this area
- Explore the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE)
- Consider the scale of abuse and neglect by adults in a position of trust
- Understand the differences between allegations, concerns and complaints
- Have knowledge of the Buckinghamshire Safeguarding and Child Protection Procedures
- Understand policies and procedures that should be in place in school and how these can be monitored
- Consider different case studies/scenarios and discuss relevant actions
This course is recommended for headteachers, chairs / vice chairs and safeguarding governors.
Dates
- Friday 26 April 2024, 9:30am
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Costs
£75
Safer Recruitment
Webinar – 5 hours
This nationally accredited safer recruitment course is suitable for all governors of schools and academies. It is suitable for those that have had no previous safer recruitment training and is based on the Safer Recruitment Consortium national programme.
Delegates will gain:
- An understanding of the safer recruitment process
- Recognition as a safer recruiter
- A certificate to confirm 5 year accreditation as a safer recruiter
The session will:
- Raise awareness of the Bichard Enquiry Report and the safer recruitment framework
- Look at data / trends in schools / academies incidents of abuse
- Look at safer recruitment processes and policies
- Provide an opportunity to go through the recruitment process
If you have any questions please contact support@buckseducationpartnership.co.uk.
Dates
- Friday 08 December 2023, 9:30am
- Friday 07 June 2024, 9:30am
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Costs
£100
Strategic Role of the Governing Board
Webinar – 2 hours
It is important that Governing Boards understand their role as strategic leaders and how this should successfully work with the operational leadership of the school senior leadership team.
This course explores how strong governance is a key part of a successful school/MAT.
Be clearer about what effective governance looks like
Improve your understanding of working strategically, rather than operationally, with consideration to legislation and best practice
A great opportunity to raise questions and share good practice with other governors
Suitable for all governors
Dates
- Tuesday 06 February 2024, 9:30am
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Some comments from governors that attended this course…
“It was great to hear of the experiences of other new governors and those of experienced governors. I now have a greater understanding of the role of a school governor and how I can better support my school in my role”.
Stephen J Baker – Governor at Dorney School“Very clear overview of what is needed and how to go about tackling what can be an overwhelming item for the board”.
Sue Jollands – Chair of Highcrest Academy
Costs
£75
The Role of the Safeguarding Governor
Webinar – 2 hours
The course is specifically designed for those that have taken on the role of Child Protection / Safeguarding Governor. Governors will be signposted to documents, crib sheets, audit tools and models during the course that will support them to undertake this key role on the Board.
The course is suitable for both new and experienced Child Protection / Safeguarding Governors
The course will build knowledge and understand of the Role of the Child Protection / Safeguarding Governor an include support to:
- Understand the key guidance and legislation that define responsibilities in this area
- Explore the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE)
- Consider the activities that this role must undertake to ensure that safeguarding duties are discharged effectively
- Understand policies and procedures that should be in place and how these can be monitored
- Understand the principles of Safer Recruitment and the role of the Governing Board in this area
Dates
- Friday 01 December 2023, 9:30am
- Wednesday 08 May 2024, 7:00pm
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Costs
£75
Understanding Pupil Premium
Webinar – 2 hours
Understand Pupil Premium funding how you can support your school in closing the achievement gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers
- A clear understanding of what the pupil premium is, including the service premium, and which pupils are eligible
- Better understand the links between best practice in the use of the Pupil Premium and successful school improvement
- Explore what Ofsted expects from School Leaders and Governors, including Pupil Premium Reviews
- Feel more confident about implications for governors and your next steps
- Outline the reporting requirements
Dates
- Thursday 02 November 2023, 7:00pm
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Costs
£75
Using HR Data at Governor / Trustee Level
Webinar – 1 hour
Build understanding of how you can use HR information to support strategic decision making.
- What HR information should governors / trustees have access to as part of their role?
- What questions should governors ask about HR matters?
- How can HR data inform effective challenge?
Dates
- Friday 15 March 2024, 9:30am
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Costs
£50
Vision, Values and Strategy
Webinar – 2 hours
This course is suitable for all governors, both new or experienced, and will explore:
- the nature of school values, vision, ethos and culture
- the role of the Governing Board in the creation and review of vision and values
- the importance of collecting stakeholder input and suggested methodologies for this
- practical suggestions for running a vision and values project
Dates
- Tuesday 12 March 2024, 9:30am
You can reserve your place by filling in the Booking Form below.
Costs
£75
