Why take part in the Governance Professionals' Programme (GPP)?
Participants will benefit from opportunities to network, share best practice, and build meaningful, lasting professional relationships across the independent schools' sector. Each level runs over six months and combines expert-led content with practical learning. Find out more about the different levels available below:
GPP Levels Available:
GPP Advanced
Who is it for?
Clerks with at least 4 years’ experience in a clerking role or who are able to evidence learning/experience in a related field
How long will it take:
6 months (with a break for summer), with the next cohort starting in April 2026, dates are to be confirmed, but will be announced very soon.
What will I learn?
The Advanced Level is taught over 6 modules, which include a mixture of in-person and online events as well as a range of self-study activities, reflective journalling and podcasts. There is also the opportunity to network and work collaboratively with other participants and to take part in active feedback sessions to enhance your own practice and understanding.
Participants will delve into high-level governance strategy, crisis management, and innovative practices for supporting Boards in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.
- Module 1 – Governance Strategy in Practice
- Governance alignment with the school vision
- Enhancing board performance
- Module 2 – Expert Advisory Skills
- Providing high-level advisory support
- Addressing complex governance challenges
- Module 3 – Assessing and Advancing Governance
- Conducting governance audits
- Developing governance improvement plans
- Module 4 – Mentoring and Leadership Development
- Mentoring and coaching skills
- Leadership within governance
- Module 5 – Strategic Governance Planning
- Crafting governance strategies
- Collaborative decision-making
- Module 6 – Sustaining Governance Excellence
- Embedding best practices
- Leading governance innovation
Proudly sponsored by VWV
GPP Intermediate
Who is it for?
Clerks with between 18 months and 4 years’ experience in a clerking role.
How long will it take:
6 months, starting in early 2026 for the first cohort
What will I learn?
The Intermediate level is designed for Clerks with some experience who are ready to deepen their understanding and enhance their strategic capabilities. This course focuses on refining skills such as crafting strategic agendas, advising governing bodies, and managing more complex governance challenges. Participants will also explore their role in fostering stronger relationships with key stakeholders, preparing boards forinspections, and supporting the overall effectiveness of governance.
- Module 1 - Enhancing Governance Knowledge
- Deep Dive into Governance Frameworks
- Exploring the strategic role of governance in driving school improvement
- Module 2 - Advance Meeting Management
- Strategic Agendas and Chair Support
- Quality Minute-Taking
- Module 3 - Leadership in Governance
- Advisory Role of the Clerk
- Supporting the Board in Strategic Thinking
- Module 4 - Strengthening Relationships
- Building Strong Relationships with Key Stakeholders
- Conflict Resolution and Difficult Conversations
- Module 5 - Governance Improvement and Evaluation
- Annual Governance Cycle and Self-Evaluation
- Inspection Preparation
- Module 6: Professional Growth & Networking
- Continued Professional Development
- The Clerk as a Governance Leader
GPP Foundation
Who is it for?
Clerks in their first 2 years of a clerking role.
How long will it take:
6 months, starting in early 2026 for the first cohort
What will I learn?
The Foundation level is specifically crafted for Clerks at the start of their clerking career. It lays a strong foundation in governance essentials, covering everything from the legal framework to effective meeting management. Participants gain a clear understanding of their responsibilities, build key relationships with school leaders and develop the practical skills needed to support governing bodies effectively.
Module 1: Induction & Essentials
Module 1.1
Thursday 15 January
2pm – 3.30pm GMT
Online
Module 1.2
Wednesday 28 January
9.30am – 4.30pm GMT
VWV Offices 24 King William Street, London EC4R 9AT
Module 2: Meetings Management Skills
Module 2.1
Tuesday 10 February
2pm – 3.30pm GMT
Online
Module 2.2
Tuesday 24 February
2pm – 3.30pm GMT
Online
Module 3: Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Module 3.1
Wednesday 4 March
2pm – 3.30pm GMT
Online
Module 3.2
Tuesday 17 March
2pm – 3.30pm GMT
Online
Module 4: Strategic Support for Governors
Module 4.1
Wednesday 22 April
2pm – 3.30pm BST
Online
Module 4.2
Thursday 30 April
9.30am – 4.30pm GMT
VWV Offices 24 King William Street, London EC4R 9AT
Module 5: Communication & Relationship Management
Module 5.1
Thursday 14 May
2pm – 3.30pm GMT
Online
Module 5.2
Wednesday 20 May
2pm – 3.30pm BST
Online
Module 6: Reflections & Continuous Development
Module 6.1
Tuesday 2 June
2pm – 3.30pm GMT
Online
Module 6.2
Wednesday 24 June
9.30am – 5pm GMT
VWV Offices 24 King William Street, London EC4R 9AT
Ready to join?
ADVANCED Programme - New cohort for April 2026
Our next cohort of the Advanced level programme will run from April 2026 for 6 months (with a break for summer). Places on all cohorts will be limited to ensure opportunities for networking and successful group work.
Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to apply.
FOUNDATION Pilot Programme - January 2026 and June 2026
Our pilot cohort of the Foundation level programme will run from January 2026 through to June 2026. Places on all cohorts will be limited to ensure opportunities for networking and successful group work.
