Governor Support

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In March, Manchester worked in collaboration with Tameside Governor Services and the National College of School Leadership (NCSL) to hold a joint training session around succession planning and leadership development.

The three hour workshop was attended by over 40 governors and was a rare opportunity for governors to network with colleagues from a neighbouring Local Authority. The session provided an introduction to the approach that Manchester and Tameside take to leadership development, with discussion around the merits of alternative leadership models such as federations, executive headships and experienced headteachers taking a leadership role across a number of schools.

The crucial message of the session was that succession planning is not solely about replacing the head. Governing bodies should work with the current headteacher to provide opportunities for all staff to develop their leadership potential. This provides continued professional development for staff and allows the school to capitalise on leadership talent. It is also essential for governors to consider how leadership skills are recognised and developed within the governing body so that all governors are encouraged to take part fully in governing body business.

Governors were introduced to a succession planning tool kit, produced by the NCSL, that helps to identify how well the governing body plan for succession planning and how they can move forward (to view the tool kit please visit www.manchester.gov.uk/governors).