Mentoring and Development programme for Governance Professionals

The Education & Training Foundation (ETF) and Association of Colleges (AoC) have been commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to design and deliver a framework of learning and development for the governance professionals of FE and Sixth Form college governing bodies.

There has been little or no professional or strategic development for clerks within the FE sector since the removal of the FE Clerks Qualification – nearly 10 years ago. The role of an effective governance professional has expanded to technical adviser and strategic enabler, a critical role in meeting the administrative and procedural requirements of Boards and enabling efficient, effective discussion and decision making.

This is a new programme that aims to raise the profile of this role and this change in emphasis. To support this shift, we are currently recruiting in two strands to support governance professionals at all levels.

Strand 1: Induction and Mentoring Programme for new Governance Professionals

This programme aims to induct and mentor those who are new to clerking / governance (and possibly the FE sector), having taken up post within the last 18 months. The induction enables governance professionals to understand what their role is, what is expected of them and how this role should develop over a period of time.

Cohort 1 took place on 24, 25 February and 1 March 2021.

Mentoring sessions will take place over February, March and April 2021.

Strand 2: The Technical Aspects of Being a Governance Professional

This a modular online programme, designed for more experienced governance professionals who have been in role 18 months or more to focus on the technical aspects of their role. This programme can act as a refresher for both existing governance professionals and those who are keen to learn more. 

Some of the topics covered will include:

  • Overview of responsibilities of Governors in terms of Curriculum strategy and quality standards
  • Curriculum design and planning
  • Finance and Audit Skills
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Book your place on 'The Technical Aspects of Being a Governance Professional'

Strand 3: Governance Professionals’ Development Programme (GPDP) for Clerks and Directors of Governance

This development programme is delivered in collaboration with Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. Strand 3 has been designed as the higher level training programme for Governance Professionals with sessions delivered by Further Education Practitioners and Oxford Faculty.

The pilot cohort of the new Governance Professinals’ Development Programme will take place on 30-31 March 2021.

Governance Professionals will gain a heightened understanding of FE Governance and an improved ability to act as trusted advisor for their Boards.

Participating Governance Professionals will also be supported by an Oxford Tutor during and after the programme.

Sessions cover the following themes:

  • Role of a Governance Professional: in the FE context
  • Insights into Board dynamics: the Governance Professional, Chair, CEO, and the Board
  • Decision making within Boards
  • Strategic leadership and adaptive approaches to Governance challenges

Oxford Tutorials will take place 3, 6, and 9 months following the programme.

Book your place on ‘Governance Professionals’ Development Programme’

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Looking for the Governance Development Programme? Visit the Governance Development Programme page for details.