National Training Programme for New Governors

This on-line course has been adapted from the National Strategy for Governor Support and Training developed by the Department for Education and Skills (now the Department for Education).

The objectives of the complete training programme for new governors are to provide materials which:

• define the key roles and responsibilities of governing bodies in achieving effective schools

• help new governors to become confident and effective

• support a range of teaching and learning styles and modes of delivery

• encourage and enable school based induction

• identify sources of further information and support.

This module has been designed to help new governors become acquainted with their role. It provides interactive exercises and information to help governors explore the different aspects of what it means to be a governor. Having completed this module you might enquire as to whether you can attend the full face-to-face Induction Programme, which may be available from your local authority Governor Services Officer.

If you are a new governor accessing this course, we welcome you to your role. We hope this will also serve governors wishing to update their knowledge of governance.

We suggest you allow approximately three hours to work through the module and a further 15 minutes to complete the learning review. You may find it helpful to take a break after each section.

You will find it helpful to have a notebook and pen handy to jot down your thoughts as you work your way through this module.