Induction for new governors and clerks

When a new governor and clerk takes up a position on a governing board it is vital that they receive a good induction i.e. one that gives them key information without overloading them.

As with all induction it should be tailored to the individual however the following is a list of the basic information that should be included:

• A copy of the school’s Instrument of Government available for each school via GovernorHub or on request from governors@ealing.gov.uk
• A list of the members of the governing board via GovernorHub
• A list of the governing board’s committees and terms of references
• Information about the performance standards in the school
• The most recent self-evaluation
• A code of practice: see Ealing’s governor toolkit

In addition the following information is also useful:

• A calendar of meetings for the year, both for full governing boards and its committees: see the governor toolkit
• Relevant sections of the current school development plan/school improvement plan
• The most recent Ofsted inspection report ( www.ofsted.gov.uk)
• Access to statutory and non statutory policies adopted by the governing board (or at least a list of what policies the school has): see the governor toolkit

Where possible we would also advise that new governors be allocated a governor who will act as a mentor (who this would be is a decision for the chair and headteacher).

It could be an opportunity for a new governor to shadow the mentor. It would also be beneficial if a new governor were invited to visit the school during the school day (if possible) and meet the headteacher and chair.

More useful information is available in the governor toolkit.

Local authority induction training for new governors and chairs

New governors

We recommend that all new governors immediately access the welcome to new governors presentation* (pdf), which will give an introductory overview of a governor’s roles and responsibilities.

Further information and guidance is also available in our Information pack for new governors (doc)* which includes the new governor induction checklist in the Ealing governor toolkit.

New chairs

Welcome to new chairs' briefing (pdf) The local authority have developed this introductory briefing on the key roles and responsibilities of chairs of school governing boards giving all new and current chairs a clear overview of what is involved. It is in addition to the Ealing chairs of governors information pack (word) for all new (and existing) chairs.

Ealing's governor training programme include' The effective chair' in addition to induction training for all new governors. These will be offered as both face to face and online training sessions.

For all new governors and chairs, we recommended you attend the local authority governor induction programme which will help with the your role/s .These and can be booked via Ealing CPD online.