National Governance Association

Governance professionals don’t often seek the spotlight, but their role has never been more important.

In this new blog, Ruth Agnew MBE reflects on an “accidental” start in governance and how those early “can you just…” moments have evolved into a strategic profession at the heart of school and trust governance.

She explores how the education landscape has changed over the past 20 years, from growing academy trusts to rising pressures across funding, SEND and AI, and why strong governance support is now critical.

The blog also looks at why NGA is working to strengthen recognition, networks and opportunities for governance professionals, including a new survey, improved learning pathways, a dedicated conference offer, and an upcoming community platform.

Read the full blog here: https://www.nga.org.uk/news-views/directory/raising-the-voice-of-governance-professionals-why-the-role-matters-more-than-ever/

Congratulations to the colleagues in school and trust governance recognised in this year's King's Birthday Honours.

These awards celebrate the dedication, leadership and commitment of those making a lasting difference to children and young people through governance. Thank you to all who serve our schools and trusts.

Read more about this year's recipients: https://www.nga.org.uk/news-views/directory/celebrating-governance-in-the-kings-birthday-honours/

Every year, thousands of governors, trustees and now, for the first time, governance professionals, take part in NGA's Annual School and Trust Governance Survey.

Why does it matter?

Because this isn't just another survey. It's the largest governance survey of its kind and has helped shape national conversations, inform government consultations, strengthen NGA's policy work and ensure the voices of those governing schools and trusts are heard where decisions are made.

Over the past 16 years, more than 60,000 people have contributed their experiences and insights, creating a unique evidence base that helps us track long-term trends and advocate for the support governing boards need.

If you haven't completed the survey yet, please take 15 minutes to have your say. Your views help shape the future of governance.

Read Megan Tate's blog to find out more about the impact of the survey and what's new for 2026: https://www.nga.org.uk/news-views/directory/listening-learning-and-looking-ahead-the-annual-school-and-trust-governance-survey-2026/

Governors and trustees across England have shared what they’re seeing on the ground this year and a clear picture is emerging.

SEND, attendance, behaviour, funding, and relationships with families are not separate challenges. They are deeply interconnected, and policy needs to reflect that.

Your insight is already shaping NGA’s work, from government consultations to policy papers and ongoing engagement with the DfE. It’s helping us push for reform that is properly resourced and joined up.

📊 Read what you told us and how we are acting on it. 👇 Read the blog https://www.nga.org.uk/news-views/directory/your-voice-in-2025-26-what-youve-told-us-and-why-it-matters/

Just one month to go until NGA's flagship National Governance Conference for Schools and Trusts 2026!

As we celebrate 20 years of championing good governance, this year's conference promises to be one of our biggest and most exciting yet.

Join hundreds of governors, trustees, governance professionals and school leaders for a day packed with expert insight, practical workshops and invaluable networking opportunities.

Hear from inspiring speakers, including Dame Christine Gilbert CBE, Chair of the Ofsted Board, and Evelyn Forde MBE, and explore topics ranging from AI and legal updates to wellbeing, sustainability, and the evolving complaints landscape.

Whether you're looking for fresh ideas, practical solutions or the chance to connect with colleagues from across the sector, this is a day not to miss.

Secure your place today: https://www.nga.org.uk/events/national-governance-conference-for-schools-and-trusts-2026/

As the role of the executive leader continues to evolve, the way boards manage their performance must also change. https://www.nga.org.uk/news-views/directory/executive-performance-management-time-for-change/

If boards are serious about stronger accountability, leadership and long-term system improvement, then the way we support and challenge our headteachers and CEO should be set up to deliver these goals.

Rosemary Lovatt, NGA's Head of Consultancy, shares her thoughts on a more supportive, strategy-led approach to executive leader performance management in her latest blog article.

Read 👉 https://www.nga.org.uk/news-views/directory/executive-performance-management-time-for-change/

We are staggered by the response to our Annual School and Trust Governance Survey so far, with hundreds of governors, trustees and governance professionals already sharing their views.
Thank you to everyone who has taken part.

But we're not done yet.

The stronger the response, the stronger the evidence base we can use to influence policy, champion effective governance and ensure decision-makers understand the realities facing boards across the country.

If you haven't completed the survey yet, there's still time. Add your voice and help shape the future of school and trust governance.

Take part today ⬇️
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/R1JGKO/