Governance Engagement Project
Learn Sheffield continues to work in partnership with Sheffield Association of School Governing Bodies (SASGB) and Sheffield City Council (SCC) to promote volunteer engagement in school governance.
In the most recent report from the NGA Annual Governance Survey 76% of respondents said it was hard to recruit new governors and trustees. Boards with two or more vacancies has reached an all-time high of 44% nationally.
We are aware of the challenges facing Sheffield boards and this project aims to increase the pipeline of volunteers interested in becoming involved in the governance of Sheffield settings, with a focus on increasing diversity amongst Sheffield governors and trustees.
The project seeks to:
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Build trusted partnerships to recruit from
Actions and evaluation
Learn Sheffield has built relationships within Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Hallam University, Governors for Schools and Inspiring Governance.
In partnerships with SHU, SCC and Inspiring Governance we supported a focus week aimed at engaging SHU employees in volunteering as governors. We also delivered a presentation to PhD students on the professional development afforded by the role.
A period of change at SHU will impact on the capacity of their civic engagement programme going forward.
Inspiring Governance supported recruitment to Sheffield boards where there was high need. However, their funding has since been withdrawn and they will no longer have the capacity to support recruitment.
Links with Governors for Schools remain strong, and they provide a valued service having referred 11 volunteers in 2023/24. They have broadened their offer in 2024 with the introduction of enhanced, paid for services to recruit governors, including specific services for chairs and trustees.
Next Steps
The Governance Team will develop wider links with educational and community stakeholders, and corporate partners, making contact to encourage volunteering and share information. They will develop relationships with community groups and volunteering organisations to promote and encourage diverse recruitment.
Learn Sheffield will make use of social media channels and develop networks to extend the reach of our communications. Members of the team will also take opportunities to attend local events with partner organisations.
Present information about governance
Actions and evaluation
Marketing materials were produced and used at a variety of events over the year.
The team worked alongside Opus Films to develop a short film promoting involvement in school governance. This will give rise to opportunities for further promotional materials and communications.
Comprehensive information about the role of a governor is on our website.
Next Steps
The film will be embedded on our website and the team will pursue opportunities to share the film more widely, including on the SCC website, with partner organisations and on social media channels.
Stills from the film will be used to develop promotional materials for multiple purposes.
The information on our website will be reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis.
Arrange initial contact with our Governance Team
Actions and evaluation
Volunteers come to Learn Sheffield from a variety of sources and partner organisations. All will complete an application form and skills audit.
They are invited to attend an informal interview with a member of the team to ensure they are well informed about the role and to gather information to support the placement process.
All applications are tracked.
Next Steps
Application processes continue to be refined.
Greater capacity on the Governance Team will enable closer monitoring of vacancies and tracking of applications.
Match volunteers to appropriate vacancies
Actions and evaluation
Board vacancies are monitored via our database and boards may also advise us directly regarding support with filling specific vacancies. These are under regular review.
The team also manage vacancies posted on Governors for Schools.
Applications for governor roles may be for a specific advertised vacancy. For other applications the team cross reference the volunteer application to known vacancies to find a suitable match based on location and preferences relating to skills, the educational phase and any specific roles. Introductions with the school are then made.
Next Steps
Scheduled reviews of applications and vacancies are carried out by the team.
Deliver induction and a wider training offer
Actions and evaluation
Learn Sheffield has a strong training offer which is reviewed annually and is responsive to the challenges faced by governing boards. Sessions are delivered by experienced and knowledgeable professionals.
All new governors are provided with a comprehensive welcome and induction pack and are advised to undertake a series of three induction sessions. Three cohorts are offered over the year.
LS delivers half-termly Governance Briefings and an annual conference.
Governors also have access to information, resources and online training through the NGA website, Learning Link and GovernorHub.
Next Steps
Review the content and format of the induction pack sent out to new governors.
Explore other options for induction training to ensure accessibility and improve take up.
Provide ongoing mentoring and support
Actions and evaluation
Mentoring and ongoing support is provided by the Governance team and boards are encouraged to identify mentors for new governors.
SASGB members have also offered to act as buddies where needed.
Members of the team check in with new governors to offer support and highlight training and useful resources.
Next Steps
Systems are being refined to track and support new governors in their first year to highlight training, network opportunities and provide support.
New governors may be offered the opportunity to observe meetings at established boards.
The possibility of a forum for new and recently appointed governors will be explored.
For further information about this project or to get involved please contact susanna.bradbury@learnsheffield.co.uk or Rebekah.rowan-robinson@learnsheffield.co.uk.