Independent. Insightful. Focused on School Improvement
Effective governance is at the heart of every successful school. A well informed and strategically focused governing board provides robust challenge, supports school leaders and ensures decisions are made in the best interests of pupils.
At Forward Focus Education our independent Governance Reviews provide an objective evaluation of how effectively your governing board is fulfilling its statutory and strategic responsibilities. Whether you are preparing for inspection, welcoming a new Chair or Headteacher, responding to changing circumstances, or simply seeking assurance that governance is operating at its best, our bespoke reviews offer valuable insight into and practical recommendations.
What does a Governance Review include?
Each review is tailored to the individual needs of your school and may include:
- A review of governance documentation, including meeting minutes, committee structures, terms of reference and key policies
- Evaluation of the governing boards strategic leadership, accountability and effectiveness.
- Assessment of statutory compliance and governance procedures
- Review of Governor skills, succession planning, recruitment and professional development
- Evaluation of how Governors monitor educational outcomes, safeguarding, finance and school improvement
- Interviews with key members that may include Chair of Governors, Headteacher, Clerk and selected Governors
- Observation of a governing board or committee meeting (where appropriate)
- Benchmarking against current governance expectations and recognised best practice
Benefits to Your School
Our Governance Reviews help governing boards to:
- Identify strengths and celebrate effective practice
- Strengthen strategic leadership and decision-making
- Improve challenge and accountability
- Enhance governance effectiveness and board performance
- Ensure compliance with statutory responsibilities
- Prepare confidently for external inspection
- Develop a clear action plan for continuous improvement
Your Review Report
Following the review your governing board will receive a comprehensive written report containing:
- An executive summary of findings
- Key strengths and effective practice
- Areas for development
- Practical, prioritised recommendations
- A clear action plan to support improvement
Our reports are written in clear, accessible language and are designed to support meaningful discussion and sustained improvement.
Why choose Forward Focus Education?
Our reviews are conducted by experienced education professionals and extensive expertise in governance, safeguarding and school leadership. We understand the realities of school leadership and governance and provides constructive, supportive challenge and that helps governing boards become more effective and confident in their role.
Every review is:
- Independent and impartial
- Confidential and evidence-based
- Tailored to your schools context
- Focussed on improving outcomes for pupils
- Practical, supportive and solution focused
Cost
Typical examples of the costs are as follows:
- Desktop only review from £400
- Half day in school review from £550
- Full governance review from £950
If your governing board would benefit from an independent review or you would like to discuss a bespoke package of governance support, we would be delighted to arrange an initial consultation to explore how we can help support and strengthen governance in your school.