External Governance Reviews
What is an External Governance Review?
An external review of governance (ERG) examines the effectiveness of the board based on the 6 features of effective governance, which are set out in the Governance handbook:
- Strategic leadership
- Accountability
- People
- Structures
- Compliance
- Evaluation
A review will:
- Consider the process and impact of decision making
- Consider the impact of the governance support provided to the board
- Test compliance with mandatory requirements
- Enable the board to provide reassurance to stakeholders and others that it takes its responsibilities seriously and is endeavouring to carry them out effectively.
A review will allow your board to:
- Be more skilled, focused, strategic and effective
- Be clear in its vision and how it can achieve this
- Be confident that it has a clear delineation of roles and responsibilities
- Have the appropriate skills, and a sufficiency of committed governors or academy trustees to meet its needs
- Hold leaders to account for improving outcomes for all pupils, particularly those who are disadvantaged
- Have appropriate oversight of finances and ensuring value for money
- Assure compliance
- Continuously improve
Can academies and MATs have reviews?
Yes- in fact the Academy Trust Handbook states:
The Department’s strong preference is that external reviews of governance are also conducted routinely as part of a wider programme of self-assessment and improvement.
The Charity Governance Code also recommends that boards undettake external reviews every 3 years.
What is involved in a review?
A review will typically take 2 days and will be personalised to your school, academy or multi-academy trust. Typically this will involve:
- A review of documentation
- Face-to-face discussions with the head, governors/trustees and clerk
- Possible observation of a meeting
- Feedback and a written report with recommendations
- Optional half-day follow up in 9-12 months.
Further details
- Timescale- 2 days for schools, academies and MATs, 1 day for small schools
- Cost- £1,500 plus VAT for 2 day reviews
- £800 plus VAT for 1 day reviews
- Depending on location there may be additional costs for travel and accommodation.
- Reviews can be carried out online if preferred.
Enquiries
Please use the form below: