This course has been extremely valuable to me. The College has seen significant changes to the Governing Body (and Executive Leadership) in the last 12 months. The ability to be able to share ideas, concerns and be able to speak frankly with colleagues not only provides support but a reassurance that the responsibilities of the role are being undertaken correctly. There are few opportunities currently to be able to interact with clerking/governor colleagues and I would very much welcome more opportunities of this type. The course was well organised and prepared and extremely interactive.

The opportunity to work with a coach has been very helpful and worthwhile in this instance. The sharing of ideas, action plans, opportunities and obstacles is often better shared, and you gain a sense of confidence that you are heading in the right direction. I feel better equipped to take plans forward and improve governance positively.

It is enjoyed so much because it speaks clearly to the intended audience i.e. those have involved in governing colleges; it is not a mouthpiece for someone’s policies or politics; it is regular, accessible and stimulating.

CG has been a brilliant mentor – she was very responsive, supportive and patient to what has no doubt been a very challenging mentee! I started the project with a great deal of scepticism about the usefulness of the ‘grid’ to an enthusiastic embracing of it by the end. Mentor support was a significant factor in my development and consolidation of reflective practice.

CW has been fantastic! He’s knowledgeable and has helped me to assert my authority as a clerk. He’s given me practical advice to resolve tasks, how to deal with conflicts of interest, how to support individuals, technical advice on how to speed up meetings and, most importantly of all, given me a huge amount of confidence.

The journal is a big part of my new thinking about how we address governing.

I’ve changed how I present draft minutes, agendas and the running of meetings informed in part by issues emerging from the professional journal.

The professional journal is where I’m seeing repeating patterns … a bigger landscape … and this is leading to a better conversation with the Principal and Chair.