CSSC Governor Training

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 2026/27 academic year, aim to support governors of controlled schools as they contribute to school ethos. The virtual sessions will focus on the unique aspects of ethos in controlled schools as described below. 

Governors and Improvement explores how a strong school ethos underpins effective school improvement. 

Governors will consider how ethos, vision, and mission guide strategic direction and promote aspiration and high expectations. The session addresses governors’ roles in implementing DE policy, using evidence to inform decisions, and measure progress, and support continuous improvement. Ideal for governors committed to purposeful, values-driven leadership and meaningful impact.

The objectives for this module are to:

• show how ethos, vision and mission drive effective school improvement. 
• clarify governors’ strategic role in promoting aspiration and high expectations. 
• strengthen evidence‑informed governance using DE policy and inspection frameworks to monitor progress and support continuous improvement.

Date: 06 October 2026
Times: 6.30 - 8.00pm
Delivery: Online session

Register your booking for the Governors and Improvement session

Governors and Ethos (school vision) will explore the role of governors in establishing the school vision, monitoring its implementation and evaluating progress.

Governors will consider how the mission enables the realisation of the vision and explore how the core values underpin and strengthen the school's ethos and strategic direction. We will reflect on how this aligns with the Education and Training Inspectorate’s Empowering Improvement Inspection Framework and contributes to the characteristics of a successful school as outlined in Every School a Good School.

Date: 10 November 2026
Times: 6.30pm - 8.00pm
Delivery: Online session

Register your booking for the Governors and Ethos session

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

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 

Governors and Ethos (A Trauma Sensitive Approach) 

Supports Governors in understanding how developing a trauma sensitive approach to practice can enhance a school’s ethos. This session explores the impact of adverse childhood experiences on children and young people’s ability to regulate, how children will present in the classroom and considers how schools can provide experiences which support our children and young people. Governors will also be encouraged to consider support to enhance staff wellbeing and will be signposted to a number of resources and development opportunities to support these efforts.

Duration: 49 Minutes
Delivery: Online Pre-Recorded session

Governor and Ethos (Coaching Ethos) 

Discover how adopting a coaching approach can enhance school governance and support your school’s ethos. 

In this session, we explore the principles of coaching and their practical application for governors, covering how to:

• Contribute to a coaching culture that empowers staff and students.
•  Apply coaching skills to both formal and informal conversations.
• Align coaching practices with your school’s values to strengthen relationships and foster growth.

This session provides actionable insights to help your school create a supportive, reflective and collaborative environment.

Duration: 14 Minutes
Delivery: Online Pre-Recorded session

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

CSSC will deliver development sessions directly to individual controlled school Boards of Governors, with the content adapted to meet each school’s priorities.

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 sign up on the CSSC website to receive a wide range of sector specific communications from CSSC.