Reviews of Governance
AGBIS conducts Reviews of Governance both virtually (via Zoom) and in person.
Is it time to review your school’s governance?
- Do you want to verify the effectiveness of your governance arrangements?
- Is your school preparing for a major structural change?
- Are you a new Chair of Governors wanting to start with confidence?
- Do you need an external review ahead of your next ISI inspection?
Whatever your context, an AGBIS Review of Governance provides a comprehensive, independent assessment of your governance arrangements. Our experienced reviewers offer clear, practical feedback and recommendations to strengthen your governing body’s effectiveness, structure and culture.
Our approach
With many successful reviews completed, our process is well-established and tailored to the needs of each school. Reviews are conducted in three stages:
Stage 1 - Preparation
We agree the date and format of the review and confirm the review team. AGBIS arranges an online self-review survey, which the Clerk shares with all governors. The school provides key documentation at least four weeks before the review date. If the review is on site, the school arranges hotel accommodation for the review team.
Stage 2 - Meetings
A team of two or three expert reviewers meets with governors and senior leaders over two consecutive days. At the end of the visit, the Chair of Governors (and Head, if appropriate) receives an oral debrief summarising key findings.
Stage 3 - Report
A draft report is shared for factual accuracy before the final confidential report is issued to the Governing Body. The report provides detailed observations and recommendations and may be shared with inspectors if the Governing Body wishes.
For more information and current rates, please contact [email protected] or call the AGBIS office on 01438 840730.
AGBIS conducted a bespoke and detailed review of governance at Merchant Taylors' School, Crosby. Their orchestrated process culminated in a clear pathway to optimise Board efficiency and fine tune our strategic approach. Their recommendations, many of which are being implemented, will help underpin the workings of the Board and its Committees which are pivotal to the future development and continuing success of Merchant Taylors' School.
‘We have just had an AGBIS governance review at Wellingborough and I can highly recommend the exercise to any Chair or Board looking to sharpen up their governance.’
AGBIS undertook a governance review of Plymouth College as an early action in my tenure as Chairman. This has acted as a superb catalyst for change at Board level. It gave the Board strategic options to consider to improve and modernise the way in which the school is governed together with tactical “easy wins”. The reviewers quickly got to the heart of the issues and recommended practical implementable solutions. We have already put in place many of the recommendations - and as a result enhanced the effectiveness and cohesion of the Board and its sub- committees. The review was excellent value for money and has really stimulated change at the top!
The Bury Grammar School Review of Governance, carried out by AGBIS, was an extremely beneficial experience for the Board of Governors. It was expertly and most professionally carried out by Cheryl and David. They were extremely thorough and, after a two-day period, they concluded with very useful, pragmatic recommendations and a most informative report. As a result of this Review of Governance we will now become much more efficient and informed. The whole process has enabled us to move our governance up to the next level of very good practice.
Thank you for your continued support this year. The Headmaster and I have really enjoyed working with you over these past few months and found both the AGBIS review and Strategy days extremely beneficial, we continue to work through your recommendations and look forward to working with you again next year.