Governance Engagement Project
Learn Sheffield is working in partnership with SASGB (Sheffield Association of School Governing Bodies) and SCC (Sheffield City Council) on a pilot project to promote governance engagement. SASGB and SCC are each contributing £5k to this pilot and this is being matched ‘in-kind’ by Learn Sheffield with staff time in the form of a new Governance Engagement role.
The objective of the Governance Engagement pilot project is to increase the pipeline of Sheffield people who are interested in becoming involved in the governance of Sheffield settings, with a particular focus on increasing diversity amongst Sheffield governors and trustees.
The governance engagement pathway launches in September 2023 and seeks to:
- promote governance
- offer information and support to prospective governors
- assist the matching of new governors and trustees to vacancies
- provide access to ongoing training and mentorship
Hover over each of the circles to enlarge the text.
1. Contact Governance Engagement project officer after receiving
information from a trusted source - employer, community group, etc.
2. Access a recorded session: So you think you might be interested in
school governance?
3. Follow up includes conversation with the Governance Engagement
project officer & basic (non threatening) audit of skills and
interests.
4. Application (supported as required) for governor or trustee roles
via the Academy Resourcing app to ensure deployment.
5. Learn Sheffield Induction Training recommended (covered for
subscribing settings).
6. Access to a mentor via a new voluntary mentorship programme plus
themed networking opportunities.
7. Governance Engagement project officer will coordinate milestone
check-ins, links to training opportunities, etc.
This pilot is also being supported by Academy Resourcing, which is a new, free directory of school volunteer and paid roles. Developed here in Sheffield, it provides a free resource for Sheffield settings to use to advertise their roles which are then promoted across various networks, organisations and businesses. It can be accessed here: academyresourcing.com.
The project will be evaluated in the summer term of 2024 and this will be fed back to the Learn Sheffield Board, SASGB and SCC, as well as the wider sector. At this point we will consider the impact and sustainability of the programme and consider whether it has longer term potential.
For more information about this pilot, or to get involved, please contact susanna.bradbury@learnsheffield.co.uk.