School governors make some of the most important and consequential decisions in our education system. They are responsible for setting the strategic direction of their schools, appointing staff and determining the school budget, among many other things.
Yet, when we set up Governors Cymru Services eight years ago this month, there was no organisation such as ourselves to provide independent guidance, advice and professional support for governing bodies and clerks across Wales.
Our overarching aim was to help governing bodies and clerks strive for excellence rather than settle for the status quo.
With that ambition in mind, we launched our unique subscription-based service and set out to become the go-to governance support partner in Wales.
Today, Governors Cymru Services works with governing bodies and clerks at hundreds of schools throughout Wales. We’ve also developed important partnerships with several local authorities and other key education organisations, including Cardiff University.
Our high-quality support package has grown and evolved over the years. It includes a confidential support line, e-bulletins and policy updates, e-learning modules, briefing sessions and training. We have also built a substantial online resource library covering governor responsibilities, self-evaluation, policies, case studies and practical governance tools.
Our support line has expanded significantly and now receives hundreds of calls each year. We help governors navigate a wide range of issues and challenges. In recent years, the most common concern has been dealing with complaints. This can be challenging as many governors have little experience of handling complaints, while the issues themselves have become increasingly complex.
Governors and clerks also seek advice on the election of chairs and vice chairs, committee and meeting procedures, human resource matters, and issues relating to confidentiality and data protection.
The most gratifying part of our work over the last eight years has been hearing from governors who tell us our support has made a real difference in their schools. It’s incredibly rewarding when we’ve worked with a governing body on specific areas of their work, whether mentoring them through a specific scenario or helping them review and reflect on their work, especially when they have gone on to adopt our suggestions on the way forward.
As we enter our ninth year, it’s important that we look to the future, especially as the Welsh Government reviews school governance. We welcome that review and look forward to seeing its recommendations. The nature of school governance has evolved significantly in recent years, and changes are needed to ensure the system remains fit for purpose.
Governors Cymru Services will continue to support governors and clerks directly while also championing effective governance more broadly, ensuring the voice of governors is heard at a national level.
We have ambitious plans for the years ahead, including expanding our e-learning provision and growing our subscriber base. We also want to ensure Governors Cymru Services remains at the forefront of school governance in Wales and is recognised as the voice of governors among policymakers, local authorities and other organisations.
Our core mission will remain the same: to advocate for and celebrate effective governance, and to share good practice wherever we can.
Thank you for being part of our journey over the last eight years. We can’t wait to see what the future brings.
To learn more about the benefits of subscribing to Governors Cymru Services, visit our website: https://www.governors.cymru/subscriptions/
01443 844532 / 029 2075 3685
[email protected]
Sam MacNamara – 07943 887275 / Jane Morris – 07957 969708
