Become a Local Governing Committee member or Trust Board Director

As a local governing committee member, you will receive a comprehensive induction arranged by your Chair. This usually includes a tour of the school and meeting key school/Trust personnel. 

In addition to the induction and resources provided by the School and Canonium Learning Trust, you will also be registered with the National Governance Association (NGA). The NGA is an organisation dedicated to supporting and developing effective governance in schools and trusts across the UK.

As part of your Canonium Learning Trust governance role, you will gain access to NGA's extensive library of governance information and resources on their website.

What You'll Find on NGA's Website:

Upon gaining access to NGA's website, you will find a wealth of information, including:

• Induction resources and training

• Model governance documents and templates

• Best practice guides for governance

• Updates on the latest education policies and changes

• Expert articles and advice on various governance topics

• A vibrant governance community for networking and sharing experiences

• Access to NGA's Learning Link, an online training portal designed especially for new governors.

NGA's Learning Link: 

One of the valuable resources available through NGA is "Learning Link." This is an online training portal designed to support the development of new governors. Learning Link offers interactive e-learning modules, which cover essential governance topics and skills to help you excel in your role. It's a fantastic resource to enhance your governance knowledge and effectiveness. A school/trust email account will be set up for you and you will be registered with the NGA.

At Canonium Learning Trust, your role as a governor is of paramount importance. Collectively, you play a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape, ensuring accountability, and contributing to the trust's success. 

Local Governing Committee Members: LGC Members operate at the individual academy level. They are closer to and representative of the local school community. Their roles encompass ensuring the school operates within the purpose and principles of the trust, meeting targets, engaging with stakeholders, and acting as ambassadors for the trust. LGC Members also have specific responsibilities in areas such as curriculum, standards, safeguarding, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and pupil behaviour.

Legal Obligations and Accountability

As a local governing committee member, you operate within a framework of legal obligations and accountability. These responsibilities extend to upholding the trust's principles and adhering to statutory regulations. 

Before being able to accept you as a governor, there are some checks that need to be completed.

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check: The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is a critical safeguarding measure used in various sectors, including education. It is a background check that helps organisations, such as schools and trusts, assess an individual's criminal record and other relevant information to determine their suitability to work with vulnerable groups, including children and young people.

The DBS check is a critical tool in ensuring the safety and safeguarding of children and vulnerable individuals in educational and other settings. It helps organizations make informed decisions about individuals who have access to such groups.

Section 128 Check:

A Section 128 check is specifically related to the education sector in the United Kingdom. It is conducted to ensure that individuals working in certain governance roles within educational institutions, such as schools and academies, are not disqualified from serving as school governors or trustees under Section 128 of the Education and Skills Act 2008.

In summary, both the DBS check and the Section 128 check are background checks that aim to protect the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable individuals in educational settings. The DBS check assesses an individual's criminal record, while the Section 128 check confirms eligibility to serve as a school governor or trustee/director as per the Education and Skills Act 2008.