The Governors' Podcast
Open, honest and transparent discussions about Governance, inspired by the Education sector in the UK. This podcast is hosted by governance practitioners, for new, experienced or prospective board members, such as school governor and academy trustee volunteers, to learn and develop. We share and provide insights into the realities of sitting on governing boards and leaning into strategic leadership. Connect with us to better govern your life!
Episodes
46 episodes
Agenda Item 43 - 10X Your Governance and Govern A.I. | #TheGovernorsPodcast
Welcome to the academic year 2024-25! This episode offers a compelling mix of personal updates, professional insights, and forward-looking strategies to enrich your governance journey.By listening to this episode, you will:-
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Season 5
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Episode 1
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56:20
Agenda Item 42 - Legally Independent with Kenji Batchelor | #TheGovernorsPodcast
For today's Single Item Agenda to close the summer term of 23/24, we are joined by guest speaker;Kenji Batchelor, an Education Law Partner in Bristol, specialises in advising independent and special schools on legal issues, g...
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Season 4
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Episode 9
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1:04:59
Agenda Item 41 - Heading Upwards, Outwards and Forwards with Amy Whittall | #TheGovernorsPodcast
For today's Single Item Agenda we are joined by a guest speaker;Amy Whittall, Executive Director for Trust Development at The Mercian Trust, oversees People Leadership and Organisational Culture, after nearly 7 years as Headt...
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Season 4
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Episode 8
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1:14:33
Agenda Item 40 - Living a Governance Lifestyle with Karl George MBE | #TheGovernorsPodcast
For today's Single Item Agenda we are joined by a guest speaker;Dr Karl George MBE, a thought-leader and internationally established consultant in governance, is a Partner and Head of Governance at RSM, part of the ESG team.<...
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Season 4
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Episode 7
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1:13:23
Agenda Item 39 - Meeting Minutes… Writing for Hours but Reading in Seconds? | #TheGovernorsPodcast
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss;Meeting packs (meeting papers) that school governors and academy trustees receive to read in preparation for upcoming governing board meetingsThe importance of the...
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Season 4
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Episode 6
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52:37
Agenda Item 38 - Getting Over the Load | #TheGovernorsPodcast
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), as we acknowledge 3 years of the podcast, we discuss;Transitioning from the end of the autumn term to the beginning of the spring term and how to ensure we retain our current voluntee...
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Season 4
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Episode 5
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1:02:16
Agenda Item 37 - Sitting on Both Sides of an Exclusion Panel with Shekeila Scarlett | #TheGovernorsPodcast
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we are joined by a guest speaker;Shekeila Scarlett, an Operations Manager for Transport for London and one of the youngest Chair of Governors in the country, governing at the only main...
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Season 4
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Episode 4
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1:14:30
Agenda Item 36 - Inside an Ofsted inspection with Paula Thorne | #TheGovernorsPodcast
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we are joined by a guest speaker;Paula Thorne, currently serving as a parent governor and EDI link governor at a primary school which has recently (as of 2023) received an Ofsted ratin...
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Season 4
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Episode 3
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49:51
Agenda Item 35 - Conferences: Confessions of a (Non) Attendee | #TheGovernorsPodcast
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we discuss;Attending conferences and events in the Education sector - When and where do they take place? Who organises/hosts/delivers them? What can governors, trustees, clerks and gov...
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Season 4
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Episode 2
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49:09
Agenda Item 34 - Leadership Insights from a MAT CEO with Nick Hudson | #TheGovernorsPodcast
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we begin Season 4 and a new academic year with a guest speaker;Nick Hudson, former CEO of Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT), joins us to discuss juggling operational and strategic leaders...
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Season 4
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Episode 1
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59:54
Agenda Item 33 - Let’s Pause and Get Some Context (Season Finale) | #TheGovernorsPodcast
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we discuss;The finale of Season 3 of this podcast and its recent achievement, ranked No.4 out of 70 for the Best UK Education podcasts across 1000s -
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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53:53
Agenda Item 32 - Comments, Criticisms and Challenges | #TheGovernorsPodcast
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we discuss;How to give and receive constructive criticism - Being a critical friendHow environments can influence how you show up - The significance of preparing for meetings ...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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55:18
Agenda Item 31 - Sorry, not Sorry but Spring has Sprung | #TheGovernorsPodcast
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we discuss;The change in intensity throughout the academic year - Are you always crawling or counting down to the next school holidays?How to better understand ‘Apologies’ for...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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34:56
Agenda Item 30 - New Year, New Hat, More Me | #TheGovernorsPodcast
Happy 2023! For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we discuss;The matrix of answering the question “What do you do?” Spotlight yourself!Opening up the dialogue about ‘Governance’ within your current circles - perso...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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49:50
Agenda Item 29 - We Listen To You Too | #TheGovernorsPodcast
To celebrate 10,000+ downloads / listens in less than 2 years, for today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we share/respond to comments and questions we’ve received from you, our listeners.We want to thank you all, with special me...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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1:15:11
Agenda Item 28 - Tick Tock Goes The Boardroom Clock | #TheGovernorsPodcast
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we discuss;The Schedule of Meeting Dates and Times - From Meetings During School Day To Evenings After The Standard Work HoursDo Meeting Times, Location and Durations Create B...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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38:10
Agenda Item 27 - Unblurring Fine Lines | #TheGovernorsPodcast
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we kickstart Season 3 and discuss;How To Navigate The Strategic vs. Operational Landscape At A Governing Board LevelThe New Suspensions and Exclusions Guidance (September 2022...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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49:11
Agenda Item 26 - Speak Up for The Silent Contributor | #TheGovernorsPodcast
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we wrap up Season 2 and discuss;The Visibility, Voices and Value of Clerks and Governance ProfessionalsClerks Are Fundamental In The Coordination and Execution of Good Governance Pra...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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40:22
Agenda Item 25 - Being Passionate and Becoming Proficient with Jo Phillips | #TheGovernorsPodcast
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode) we invite our FIRST special guest, and discuss;Different Places and Resources To Become More Informed About Governance in Education, ie. The Hoot - https://the...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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43:10
Agenda Item 24.3 - To Feel Seen. To Feel Heard. Representation Matters! (Diversity: PART 3) | #TheGovernorsPodcast
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss;What Are The 9 Protected Characteristics of the Equality Act 2010?Speaking From Lived ExperiencesThe Importance of Representation - How You Can Attract, Find and...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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36:17
Agenda Item 24.2 - 18+? No Prior Experience Required! (Diversity: PART 2) | #TheGovernorsPodcast
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss;The Importance and Necessity of Diversity of Age On Boards and Governing Bodies - Bringing The Boardroom Into The 21st Century, By Having Younger People Around The Table Who Bring...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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49:00
Agenda Item 24.1 - Seeing The Faces and Races in Your Spaces (Diversity: PART 1) | #TheGovernorsPodcast
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss;Kickstarting A Diversity Mini Series and The Importance of Recognising, Honouring and Representing Difference (Protected Characteristics) - Let’s Have More Equality, Diversity and...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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50:59
Agenda Item 23 - Fight The Fear of Finance | #TheGovernorsPodcast
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss;The Myth of Requiring An Accountancy Background To Be A Member of the Finance Committee and/or Justifiably Participating In Discussions About The School’s Budget and Financial Act...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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36:03
Agenda Item 22 - It’s Better To Be Safe Than… | #TheGovernorsPodcast
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss;The Importance of Having a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Checking Cycle - How Long Is Too Long Without A New One?What Does Your Code of Conduct Say and Are Your Up...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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37:09
Agenda Item 21 - Seeing Double! Kickstarting 2022 with Vision? | #TheGovernorsPodcast
For today's Single Item Agenda (episode), we discuss;"NEW YEAR, NEW ....." What's The Difference Between a School's Mission, Ethos, Vision, Purpose, Intent/Identity and Values? (Reference: Leigh Cowan 2019's MEVPIV) and The Increasi...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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1:01:10