Induction, training, appraisal, support and continuing engagement

Induction

Everyone joining our governing team is expected to participate in our induction programme, helping to ensure that they have a firm understanding of the full range of our activities and are prepared for their governing career with us.

Continuing Engagement Opportunities

Our Continuing Engagement Opportunities for Governance (CEOG) programme identifies opportunities for each member of our governing team to participate in a wide range of activities throughout their term of office.

There is no expectation that every opportunity is taken up. However, we do expect that individuals, and our two boards as a whole, achieve a reasonable level of informal contact with the charity through the programme.

Training

Trustees, co-optees and QACE directors bring with them valued experience and expertise. But elements of the role may be new to them, whether that’s further education, specialist education, governance or any of the skills needed to be even more effective. We regard training as essential support to equip you with what you need to be able to fulfil the full range of your responsibilities.

Everyone in the governing team must complete training related to safeguarding, the protection of our data and cyber-security or seek exemption if they have undertaken similar training. Some training must be undertaken at least annually and some must be undertaken at least triennially. Our mandatory training is delivered virtually, through self-taught modules.

We may require attendance at bespoke training delivered to meet specific needs and a wide range of modules relating to governance is available, free of charge, from the Education and Training Foundation.

Appraisal

Trustees, co-optees and QACE directors take seriously the knowledge that they need to govern and are expected to participate actively in the assessment of their own contribution to the work of the governing team. An essential part of this assessment is appraisal, usually undertaken by the Chair of Trustees, the Vice-Chair of Trustees and the Director of Governance together.

Other support

Whatever the level of confidence, knowledge, expertise and training people bring with them when they join our governing team, at any time they may need some help. We check regularly whether written guidance made available continues to meet needs and our expert Governance Team is on hand to assist with any queries.

With so much done remotely nowadays, any of us may find that we need help with information technology (IT). IT support for our trustees, committee co-optees and QACE directors is provided by our Associate Director for IT.