Board of Governor Training Programme

Event

Date

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The training is part of a suite of trainings available through the Primary Children Looked After Advisory Service, The Attach Programme. It aims to raise awareness in the whole school staf team of the needs of children who are Looked After, by exploring the following:

• Introduction to Children Looked After
• Importance of Relationships
• Impact of Trauma and Adversity
• Insecure Attachment Patterns
• Other Areas of Need
• Blocked Care/ Culture of Caring
• Relational ways of Helping/ Supporting Children Looked After
• Trauma and Attachment Informed Spaces

• The course consists of eight pre-recorded videos of between 17 and 42 minutes each which participants can view in their own time.
• For Principals leading a group session, we recommend dedicating around 5 – 5 ½ hours for the training in total, for the video content, break, and discussion.

• To introduce the Addressing Bullying in Schools Act and an overview of statutory duties.
• To explain the new legal definition of bullying for all schools.
• To explore how bullying can be prevented and how measures should be kept under review.
• To provide an overview of recording incidents of bullying and how they can be concluded.

Watch the 4 video clips:

• Introduction to the Addressing the Bullying in Schools Act
• The New Legal Definition
• Prevention of Bullying
• Recording Incidents of Bullying and Conclusion
   
• Read – Addressing Bullying in Schools Guidance.
• Read – useful leaflet to support governors to review the School's Anti Bullying Policy.
• Read – Addressing Bullying in Schools Act.

Chairpersons of Boards of Governors and the designated governor for child protection only.

Chairpersons of boards of governors and designated governors for child protection are required to attend this training ONCE in every four years.

• To raise awareness of the specific safeguarding responsibilities of the chairperson of governors and designated governor for child protection and safeguarding in the context of the quality assurance role of a board of governors.
• To understand the impact of legislation and government policy in relation to child protection and safeguarding within your school.
• To recognise the role of the Schools Safeguarding Team including the specific child protection/safeguarding responsibilities of the chair of governors and designated governor for Child Protection.
• To identify the quality assurance role of a board of governors in overseeing the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils enrolled in a school.

• Watch the Video PowerPoint: The Safeguarding Role of the Chair (00:50:49).
• Read the accompanying document (School Governors Handbook Safeguarding and Child Protection).
• Follow up questions via contacting the CPSS Helpline (028 9598 5590).

Governors of mainstream primary and post-primary Schools.

This course will inform governors as to various elements of the implementation process of the SEND Act (NI) 2016 and the statutory duty of boards of governors of mainstream schools in relation to pupils with Special Educational Needs.

• To raise awareness of the current and new legislation regarding pupils with SEN.
• To update school governors on the progress of the statutory effect of the full implementation of the SEND Act (Northern Ireland) 2016.
• To identify the roles and responsibilities of the board of governors within the new SEN framework.
• To inform the quality assurance role of the board of governors in overseeing SEN Provision and in supporting pupils with special educational needs

To complete the course, watch the 4 short video programmes: 

• The Legislative Framework
• The Learning Continuum
• Roles and Responsibilities for SEN Provision within Schools
• Information and Next Steps for governors

Boards of Governors

This programme is part of the suite of Guidance and Support materials for school leaders, teachers and governors in relation to the implementation of the Teachers’ Agreement. It is targeted at Boards of Governors and will focus on developing Directed Time Budgets as outlined in the 1987 Jordanstown Agreement and subsequently in Appendix 3 of the Workload Agreement published in 2011, the 2020 Teachers’ Agreement and the 2024 Workload Agreement.

By the end of this presentation, you will understand:

• What is a Directed Time Budget.
• The role of governors in developing Directed Time budgets.
• The implications of Directed Time budgets for school management.

The principal is responsible for determining a time budget to each member of the teaching staff. The time budget should be distributed prior to the commencement of the teaching year.

To complete the course:

• Go to the TASKS list.
• Watch the video.

Governors of nursery, primary, post-primary and special schools

It aims to review the statutory functions of the board of governors and will further develop an understanding of how the board of governors can contribute to school improvement.

By the end of the session governors will:

• Understand the statutory roles and responsibilities of boards of governors.
• Understand the importance of the self-evaluation process in relation to effective governance.
• Have an awareness of the importance of working as a team to promote effective governance.

This course consists of:

Presentation and associated resources.

• The presentation is divided into three distinct sections to help provide focus to the constituent parts.
• Download and read the three PowerPoints for the Effective Governance programme.

All governors

From April 2017, the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (NIPSO) can investigate complaints made about schools. If a governor is asked to sit on a complaints committee it is advisable to carry out a refresher of this course. This course will help ensure that school governors understand the importance of managing complaints and their role in ensuring that schools deal with complaints effectively.

To enable schools to:

• Adopt a comprehensive school’s complaints procedure.
• Put in place effective procedures for handling complaints in line with best practice.
• Understand the role of the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman.

• Read the course descriptor and objectives.
• Download and read the PowerPoint for the Handling Complaints programme.
• Download and read the Model School Complaints Procedure and Guidance document linked in the PowerPoint.
• Complete the online course evaluation.

New governors and those returning to boards of governors after a break.

This course is an important introduction to the role of a governor. It outlines essential information on the structure, role and responsibilities of governors and how Boards of Governors function as a governing body.

• To have an appreciation of the educational context in Northern Ireland.
• To understand the roles and responsibilities of governors.
• To understand how an effective board of governors operates

This course consists of:

• Online PowerPoint
• Narrated videos
• It lasts 2 Hours
• This programme can be completed individually or in small groups
• Download and read Every School a Good School – The governor’s Role – Executive Summary.
• Download and read the PowerPoint for the Induction for New School governors.
• Watch the videos.
• Download and read the PowerPoint Initial Child Protection Awareness.

Primarily for governors who have been newly appointed to an Integrated school.

This is primarily for governors who have been newly appointed to an integrated school, however it may also be of interest to long-standing governors in Integrated schools. For individuals who are also first-time governors this course should only be undertaken after completing EA’s Induction for New Governors

This course will provide participants with a better understanding of the development of Integrated Education and will explore the connection between ethos and governance. It will also provide an overview of the content of the Integrated Education Act of 2022.

• To be better informed about the background and development of Integrated Education in Northern Ireland.
• To understand the legislative context within which Integrated schools operate.
• To raise awareness of the organisations that support Integrated schools.
• To raise awareness of the Integrated ethos and its impact on governance.
• To enhance understanding of the role and contribution of governors in Integrated schools.

• In advance of undertaking the course, participants should make themselves familiar with the appropriate Scheme of Management for their school, either Grant Maintained Integrated or Controlled Integrated.
• The course comprises a Sway presentation with a mix of text, tasks and video (45 mins – 1 hour) along with associated reading material.

Governors who have been newly appointed to a voluntary grammar school.

This course will increase governor understanding of their role in the context of a voluntary grammar school.

• To gain an insight into the different types of schools in the Northern Ireland Education System and learn more about the Voluntary Grammar sector.
• To understand the commonalities between governors of all schools and gain insight into the responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities unique to voluntary grammar schools.
• To explore and increase understanding of the “Voluntary Principle”.
• To become familiar with the role of the Governing Bodies Association

To complete the course:

• Read through the notes of the Power Point presentation attached to each slide

Governors involved or interested in becoming involved in finding out more about Irish-medium (IM) Education.

Whether you are the governor of an Irish-medium school, the governor of a school with a unit, or are interested in finding out more about Irish-medium Education, this short module will help you along.

This course will look at Irish medium Education in general, the growth of the sector, the challenges, other organisations that support the sector and useful resources.

• To develop a greater knowledge of Irish-medium education.
• To examine the role of Governors in promoting, encouraging and facilitating Irish-medium education.
• To develop an understanding of the legislative and policy context for Irish-medium education.
• To explore the benefits of Irish-medium education.
• To identify the challenges that may arise.
• To understand the role of the supporting bodies of Irish-medium education.
• To signpost Useful Resources.

• Online SWAY presentation, with interactive videos and tasks (30-45 minutes duration).
• This module has been designed for governors to work through some background material and interactive resources to develop a greater understanding of Irish-medium Education.
• The module is available in both Gaeilge (Irish) and Bearla (English). When in the portal, the Governor can launch the SWAY in their preferred language.

Irish-medium Governors

• To increase IM governor awareness of the EA Governor Training Programme 2020-2021 (EA).
• To provide IM governors with an overview of the Inspection and Self-Evaluation Framework for Governors (ETI).
• To demonstrate the holistic nature of governance in the IM Context (experienced IM governor).

Participants will:

• Have increased awareness of all governor training opportunities and relevant registration and evaluation processes.
• Have greater familiarity with the ISEF tool and how governors can employ this to promote effective governance.
• Gain greater insight into the distinctive issues and considerations for governors supporting IM schools

The module is available in Bearla (English). To complete the course:

• Watch the 2 webinars held in the video section:
  • Webinar 1 Training for IM Governors part 1;
  • Webinar 2 Training for IM Governors part 2;
• Read through the documentation, held in documents.

While this course is being updated please use this link to get advice and support https://www.eani.org.uk/school-management/area-planning This course is highly recommended as it supports governors to address the DE guidance to annually self-evaluate against the criteria and indicators of the Sustainable Schools Policy, as set out in Sustainable Schools Policy – User Guide (February 2022).

• To outline the new Strategic Area Plan: Planning for Sustainable Provision 2022-27.
• To explore how schools can have a better understanding of sustainability and how to achieve this.
• To support governors to confidently address sustainability within their School Development Planning.
• To provide governors with the ability to self-evaluate their school against the Sustainable Schools Policy.

• What can be done by my school about sustainability?
• Sharing of examples of good practice.
• Online/2 hours.

This course provides an opportunity for governors to explore the purpose, impact and benefits of Shared Education for schools and local communities. The course will also look at the Framework for Shared Education, the Pupil Pathway and other supporting documentation that supports embedding Shared Education in schools. This course is highly relevant following the publication of ‘Sharing Works’ – a Policy for Shared Education and the passing of the Shared Education Act (May 2016). Where a school is in a shared education partnership, governors from partnership schools are encouraged to attend together.

• To develop a greater knowledge and appreciation of shared education in practice.
• To examine the role of governors in promoting, encouraging and facilitating shared education.
• To develop an understanding of the legislative and policy context for shared education.
• To explore the impact of shared education, with a focus on educational, economic and social benefits for schools.
• To introduce the Pupil Pathway: A Resource for Teachers to Support Shared Education.

The content is presented using a Microsoft SWAY. Additional reading is listed below and available in documents:

• A Pupil Pathway for Shared Education
• Shared Education Act
• Sharing Works: A Policy for Shared Education
• Learning Leaders
• ETI Self-evaluation Framework for Shared Education

PRSD Governor Reviewers

The PRSD Scheme sets out the procedures associated with the annual review cycle which every principal and teacher in grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland is required to participate in. The board of governors has a legal responsibility to ensure the professional development and performance of teachers employed within their schools is reviewed annually in accordance with this scheme and within the context of the school development plan. The board of governors has a strategic role and is responsible for adopting a PRSD policy for the school and for monitoring its implementation.

• To understand the PRSD Scheme.
• To understand the roles and responsibilities of all involved in the Scheme especially the Principal, Governor Reviewers, and the External Adviser. To be aware of requirements.

Governors of Post Primary schools.

This guidance is for post-primary schools on the provision of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools following the implementation of the Relationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023.

• To give an overview of the Guidance on Amendments to the Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) Curriculum Content.
• This guide will give governors an overview of the changes for post primary schools and highlight their main roles and responsibilities.

• Choice of short, captioned video or PowerPoint presentation.
• Proceed to CCEA website for further guidance if required.

For new Governors of all schools (except special schools), those who have not attended previous school finance training or Governors wanting to refresh their training.

The online videos will enable ongoing access for school governors to review at their convenience. The individual modules will also enable governors to consider the topics individually or as part of Board of Governor meetings.

• To provide an overview of school finance including the current challenges and budgetary framework, the role of the school governor, good financial management and financial planning.
• To gain an awareness of the school finance framework and an understanding of the role of governors in good financial management.

The training will take the form of a number of short videos which cover the following topics.

Watch these videos:

• Introduction
• The Budgetary Framework
• The Role of the School Governor
• 3-year Financial Planning
• Good Financial Management
• Brief demonstration of the 3 Year Plan

Governors involved in Recruitment and Selection

This course introduces Recruitment and Selection processes and equips you with the necessary skills to act as a panel member. The course content is underpinned by relevant Equal Opportunities Legislation, which applies to all appointments. Please note that if you are conducting a principal appointment in a controlled school your board of governors will receive support directly from a Human Resource Adviser and at least one School Development Service Assessor assigned by EA.

• To outline the key frameworks relevant to the recruitment and selection process.
• To raise awareness of equal opportunities legislation, policies and procedures.
• To ensure that appointments are made fairly, with due attention to appropriate legislation.
• To set out the key stages in the recruitment and selection process and to explain some of the skills you will need as a panel member at each stage of the recruitment campaign.
• To signpost you to further sources of advice and guidance.

• Download and read PowerPoint slides to accompany the video.
• Watch the video: An Introduction to Recruitment and Selection Training for Boards of Governors (00:22:07).
• Read the Recruitment and Selection Case Study.

Governors, principals, and all school staff.

This training provides an overview of what constitutes a personal data breach, the impact a breach has on both the data subject and the organisation and what action should be taken in the event of such a breach. This module also focuses on measures that can be taken to improve information security and avoid data breaches occurring.

This module has been designed by the Authority for all staff and volunteers within schools. The Authority advises that all staff and volunteers complete this training on an annual basis. It is important to be able to recognise, react to and report Personal Data Breaches. This video provides a basic guide to identifying and reporting Personal Data Breaches when they occur, understanding the main causes of Personal Data Breaches within Schools and what we can all do to reduce the risk of Personal Data Breaches occurring.

Topics within include:

• Identifying a personal data breach.
• Consequences of personal data breaches.
• Reducing the risk of breaches occurring.
• Containing/Assessing/Reporting a personal data breach.
• Role of the Data Protection Officer (DPO).
• Role of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

• Watch the video

A script which has been checked for all accessibility issues will also be provided.

All governors

This course is for all governors and includes:

• Overview of ER processes and their importance.
• Understanding approaches to informal resolution.
• An overview of conducting employee relations investigations, hearings and appeals.

In advance of the session, it would be helpful for participants to review the relevant employee relations policies and procedures in relation to: Disciplinary, Grievance, Dignity at Work/Bullying and Harassment and download the accompanying booklet - Employee Relations Training & Support for the presentation. In advance of the session, it would be helpful for participants to have attended the course entitled ‘Understanding Diversity and Inclusion’.

• Understand roles and have an awareness of the legal framework for dealing with disciplinary, grievance and dignity at work matters and the different policies and procedures for teaching and non-teaching employees.
• Understand the difference between conduct and capability.
• Understand the difference between grievance and dignity at work/bullying & harassment.
• Have an overview of how to use the informal approach and the benefits.
• Have an awareness of the process for precautionary suspension & investigations.
• Have an overview of the process involved in conducting a hearing or an appeal.
• Understand what to expect at an Independent Appeal facilitated by the Labour Relations Agency (LRA).

Watch the 5 Video PowerPoint presentations with narrative.

• Module 1 – Roles, Legal Framework, Policies and Procedures.
• Module 2 – Understanding Misconduct and Managing Performance.
• Module 3 – Understanding Grievance and Dignity at Work/Bullying & Harassment.
• Module 4 – Informal Approach.
• Module 5 – Formal Stages of Employee Relations Procedures

Chairpersons of the Board of Governors and designated governors for staff health, well-being and attendance.

Reference will be made to the following policies during the course:

• Teacher Attendance Procedure (TNC2008/2).
• Policy and Procedures for all Education Authority Support Staff.

• To maximise staff attendance and manage sickness absence.
• To ensure understanding of Managing Attendance practices and procedures.
• To enhance understanding of the roles and responsibilities in relation to the management of staff attendance (teaching and non-teaching) including good practice tools and support available to and in support of staff and principals.

• Watch the video in the portal about Ill Health procedure.
• Download the toolkit on the website which will include:
  • EA Managing Attendance Policy.
  • Download and read EA Health Referral Leaflet.
  • Download the Inspire leaflet.
  • Download TNC 2008 Teacher Attendance procedure.

Governors, principals, and all school staff.

This training module is designed to provide staf within schools with an understanding of how the GDPR impacts how information is processed within a school setting. Key topics covered within the training include awareness, rights of the data subject, lawful bases for processing personal information as well as exploring GDPR terminology.

This course aims to provide school staff and volunteers with a basic understanding of the General Data Protection Regulations 2018 and how these should be applied within schools. The course covers topics such as:

• Terminology
• GDPR Principles
• Lawful basis for processing
• Consent and children
• Rights of the data subject
• Subject Access Requests

• Watch the narrated video (approximately 35 minutes). This video can be viewed on any device from any server, no login required.
• Complete the online course evaluation.

A script which has been checked for all accessibility issues will also be provided.

All governors

This course includes:

• Exploring equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Awareness of equality legislation including the different types of discrimination and when they might arise.
• Understanding disability including reasonable adjustments.
• Understanding of ETI’s equality and inclusion requirements and how to promote equality, diversity and inclusion in your school.

• To gain an understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion.
• To develop an understanding of the different types of discrimination in education and when they might arise.
• To fully understand how to comply with ETI’s equality and inclusion requirements.
• To understand the support available from the EA Equality and Diversity Unit.

• Read the PowerPoint Presentation.
• Read the Practical examples/case studies.
• Read the Supporting Documents.
• Separate Q&A with unit can be facilitated on request.

These resources can be found on the portal in the Inclusion and Diversity Folder

For those with a specific interest in health and safety at their school.

This course will:

• Provide an important introduction to the role of a governor in the leadership and management of Health and Safety within the school.
• To outline essential information on the: 
  • Roles and responsibilities of governors; and
  • How Boards of Governors function as a governing body within a Health and Safety Management System.

By the end of the session, governors will:

• Be aware of their health and safety responsibilities as school governors; • Understand an effective Health and Safety Management System for schools.

To complete the training – complete the tasks: 

• The PowerPoint slides.

Governors of Controlled Schools

The Controlled Schools’ Support Council (CSSC) invites Governors of controlled schools to participate in development sessions regarding ethos in controlled schools. CSSC development modules in the 2024/25 academic year, aim to support governors of controlled schools as they contribute to school ethos. The virtual session will focus on a unique aspect of ethos in controlled schools as described below.

Governors and Ethos Three (Supporting Whole School Resilience): This Module considers how Trauma Informed Approaches support the resilience of children and young people. The importance of relationships and the presence of an emotionally available adult is explored as well as the impact of PACE approaches in supporting children and young people (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy). Governors are encouraged to consider how a culture of safety and support can be provided for staf thus supporting the emotional health, wellbeing and resilience of the adults who work with pupils.

Date: Tuesday 18 February 2025 (7.00 - 7.45pm) To register for the date of your choice see the link below which will take you to the CSSC website, where you will be able to book a place.

Register for Sessions

CSSC has also developed recorded PowerPoints which can be accessed by Boards of Governors or individual Governor at a time which is most convenient.

View recorded PowerPoints

Governors and Ethos (CSSC Ethos Self-Evaluation Toolkit) considers the importance of school ethos and provides an overview of the CSSC Self Evaluation Ethos Toolkit and how it can contribute to ethos development. The link between ethos, vision, mission and values is also considered and the impact of a positive school ethos is explored.

Duration: 20 Minutes

Delivery: Online Pre-Recorded session

Governors and Ethos (Ethos in controlled schools) examines the role of Governors in establishing a clearly defined ethos statement for the school and considers the responsibilities of Governors in maintaining the school’s ethos by examining key relationships within the school community and how these can be fostered and developed.

Duration: 20 Minutes

Delivery: Online Pre-Recorded session

To view the recorded PowerPoints, see the link below which will take you to the CSSC website, where you will be select the PowerPoint you wish to view.

CSSC will also deliver a combination of the development sessions to individual controlled school Boards of Governors. A bespoke combination of sessions can be agreed to meet the needs of individual schools.

We recognise the invaluable contribution governors make to ethos within controlled schools and look forward to working in partnership with you. For those who have attended CSSC Governor events we welcome suggestions for further development of our ethos development programme for Governors.

Governors of controlled schools can sign up to receive a wide range of sector specific communications from CSSC.

For further information on any aspect of the CSSC Governor development programme, please contact Heather McKenzie, Schools Support Oficer on Mobile no. 077397 43290