School Governor Support and TrainingTraining is provided by the governor development team and co-ordinated by Mrs Ela Cleary, and also through the  governor support pages on the London Grid for Learning.
The training programme is sent to all governors in the autumn term and new courses may become available during the year. Sometimes governors like to have in-house training together, on a particular topic they are interested in.
We also provide professional advice and support services to school governors, governing bodies and clerks.
Clerking, advice and information
We provide a complete clerking service whereby your governing body will have a designated clerk who, in addition to accurate and efficient minute taking, will give you on the spot advice, information and guidance on procedures, regulations and best practice. Your clerk will be the key point of contact on all matters concerning governors and can put you in touch with specialists.
To keep you up to date, we issue a termly governors' bulletin and provide information pages for governors on the London Grid for Learning.
Training
We provide a comprehensive training and development programme covering a wide range of governance issues. The programme incorporates the national training programmes for new governors, chairs of governing bodies and clerks. It is offered throughout the academic year and updated on a regular basis to reflect changes in legislation, local and national initiatives and developments.
Other sources of support
Information is also available from the Department for Children, Schools and Families' GovernerNet website and other specialised national organisations such as the National Governors' Association. All governors should also receive a guide to the law for school governors CD. The guide can also be downloaded from GovernorNet.
GovernorLine can provide advice on legal and other issues by telephone on 0800 0722 181 or via their website.
How employers can help
Many employers encourage staff to become school governors. They realise that skills gained as a governor are transferable to the workplace, as well as the other way around. Under employment law, employers must give employees who are school governors 'reasonable time off' to carry out their duties. Your employer does not have to pay you for your time off, but may do.
Expenses
You may be reimbursed by the school for agreed expenses you incur when carrying out your duties, if your governing body has a policy that allows this. You cannot claim attendance allowances or payment for loss of earnings.
Contact
Governor development
Tel: 020 7525 5114
Fax: 020 7525 5024
governors@southwark.gov.uk
Children’s services
John Smith House
144-152 Walworth Road
London
SE17 1JL
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