Our termly training programme is offered both virtually and in a variety of locations across Devon and is available for all settings. Boards subscribing to our service can access many courses free of charge.
Contact the team for further information on 01392 287314 or by email: schoolgovernance@devon.gov.uk
Details of all our governance training and how to book can be found at our Devon Education Services shop.
Training opportunities for the autumn term 2025
Effective Governance
Introduction to governance for governors in maintained schools and federations (A)
Wednesday 1 October Live interactive webinar 17.00-19.00
Tuesday 28 October Exeter venue 09.30-13.00
Introduction to school governance in an academy trust (academy trustees/directors) (A)
Tuesday 7 October Live interactive webinar 17.00-19.00
Introduction to school governance in an academy trust (local or hub board members) (A)
Wednesday 22 October Live interactive webinar 17.30-19.30
Introduction to school governance in an academy trust (all levels of governance) (A)
Tuesday 11 November Exeter venue 09.30-13.00
Heads, chairs and clerks -supporting the delivery of strategic governance (B)
Tuesday 4 November Exeter venue 09.30-14.00
Effective communication and managing challenging situations (A)
Wednesday 3 December Live interactive webinar 10.00-11.30
Governance Updates (A)
Tuesday 14 October Live interactive webinar 17.00-18.00
Thursday 16 October Live interactive webinar 12.30-13.30
Effective Clerking
Introduction for new clerks (A)
Thursday 25 September Live interactive webinar 13.30-15.30
Wednesday 12 November Exeter venue 10.00-13.00
Effective minute taking (B)
Tuesday 18 November Live interactive webinar 10.30-12.30
Appeal panels for complaints and exclusions – the role of the clerk (A)
Wednesday 26 November Live interactive webinar 10.30-12.00
The clerk as an administrator and facilitator for the board (A)
Wednesday 22 October Live interactive webinar 10.00-11.30
Clerking in action – managing the clerking workload effectively (A) NEW
Tuesday 7 October Live interactive webinar 14.30-15.30
Clerks’ briefings (for maintained and academy schools) (A)
Tuesday 30 September Live interactive webinar 14.00-15.30
Wednesday 1 October Exeter venue 10.00-12.00
Thursday 2 October Live interactive webinar 17.00-18.30
Key Responsibilities
The governance of safeguarding (A)
Thursday 25 September Live interactive webinar 10.00-11.30
Responsibilities of the safeguarding lead (B)
Tuesday 21 October Live interactive webinar 13.30-15.00
Understanding the primary curriculum (B)
Tuesday 11 November Live interactive webinar 10.00-11.30
Headteacher appraisal – the role of governors and trustees (B)
Thursday 25 September Live interactive webinar 10.00-11.00
Tuesday 18 November Live interactive webinar 17.00-18.00
Pupil exclusions procedures – for governors (A)
Thursday 20 November Live interactive webinar 13.00-14.30
Complaints – prevention and managing (A)
Wednesday 15 October Live interactive webinar 10.00-11.30
Federation networking event
Monday 1 December Exeter venue 10.00-12.30
Lunchtime – bite sized sessions
Attendance and behaviour (A)
Tuesday 25 November Live interactive webinar 12.30-13.15
Introduction to governing finance in maintained schools (A)
Wednesday 19 November Live interactive webinar 12.30-13.15
Budget planning and monitoring in maintained schools (A)
Wednesday 5 November 12.30-13.15
Visiting your school (A)
Tuesday 18 November Live interactive webinar 12.30-13.15
What is Partnership? (A)
On request
‘A’ sessions are at 100% discount for subscribing schools. ‘B’ sessions are at a 65% discount for standard subscribers and 100% discount for premium subscribers. Non-subscribing schools are very welcome to attend any sessions of their choice, prices can be seen on our online shop.
How to apply
All course bookings should be made online via the Devon Education Services Shop:
Training, conferences and professional development | DES (devoneducationservices.co.uk)
If you have not booked using this system before, you will need to register as a ‘New User’. Alternatively, ask your clerk to governors to make the booking on your behalf.
If you have any queries regarding session content please contact the Governance Consultancy Team at schoolgovernance@devon.gov.uk or 01392 287314.
If you require help using the online booking system please contact educate.educationtraining-mailbox@devon.gov.uk or 01392 287224.