Over 100 Governors Attend EA Governor Seminar at Lagan Valley Island

The full-day event, which ran from 9.00am to 3.45pm, provided governors with a valuable opportunity to engage in face-to-face training, receive updates on key education issues and connect with EA services and partner organisations.

The seminar was officially opened by Eve Bremner, EA Chief Education Officer, who welcomed governors and thanked them for the crucial role they play in the effective governance of schools and in supporting positive outcomes for children and young people.

The opening session featured a musical performance by pupils from Pond Park Primary School, Lisburn, who performed a medley of songs accompanied by Principal Mr Geoffery Cherry and school staff.

Governors attended a range of workshops delivered by EA staff throughout the day, including:

• Effective Governance
• The Role of the Chair
• Recruitment and Selection
• Understanding Employee Relations in Schools
• Understanding Diversity, Inclusion and Disability
• Addressing Bullying-Type Behaviour in School
• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Update
• Health and Safety for Governors

During lunchtime, Café Connect took place in the Island Hall, allowing governors to speak directly with representatives from a wide range of EA services and education partner organisations. These included EA School Governance, Recruitment and Selection, Health and Wellbeing and Attendance Management, Community and Schools, Addressing Bullying in Schools, Equality and Human Rights, Shared Education and Sectoral Support, the Controlled Schools Unit, as well as representatives from CCMS and CSSC.

Feedback from attendees was very positive, with governors welcoming the opportunity for in-person training, direct engagement with EA staff and partners, and the benefits of networking with fellow governors.