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 spring term 2026
Effective Governance
Introduction to governance for governors in maintained schools and federations (A)
Thursday 5 February, Live interactive webinar, 17.00-19.00
Tuesday 10 March, Live interactive webinar, 10.00-12.00
Introduction to school governance in an academy trust (all levels) (A)
Thursday 26 February, Live interactive webinar, 17.00-19.00
Wednesday 18 March, Live interactive webinar, 10.00-12.00
Leadership of the governing board (A)
Tuesday 27 January, Live interactive webinar, 10.30-12.00
Developing your governing skills – the next step (A)
Thursday 5 March, Live interactive webinar, 10.30-12.00
Effective Clerking
Introduction for new clerks (A)
Tuesday 10 February, Exeter Future Skills Centre,13.00-15.00
Effective minute taking (B)
Thursday 26 February, Live interactive webinar, 10.30-12.30
Appeal panels for complaints and exclusions – the role of the clerk (A)
Wednesday 4 March, Live interactive webinar, 10.30-12.00
Clerking in action – inducting new board members (A) NEW
Thursday 12 March, Live interactive webinar, 13.30-14.30
Clerks’ briefings (for maintained and academy schools) (A)
Wednesday 21 January, Live interactive webinar, 13.30-15.00
Thursday 22 January, Live interactive webinar, 17.00-18.30
Wednesday 28 January, Exeter Future Skills Centre, 10.00-12.00
Key Responsibilities
The governance of safeguarding (A)
Thursday 29 January, Live interactive webinar, 13.30-15.00
Responsibilities of the safeguarding lead (B)
Tuesday 24 February , Live interactive webinar, 13.30-15.00
Pupil exclusions procedures – for governors and trustees (A)
Wednesday 11 February, Live interactive webinar, 13.00-14.30
Complaints – prevention and managing (A)
Tuesday 17 March, Live interactive webinar, 10.00-11.30
Ofsted – what the board should expect and how to prepare (A)
Tuesday 24 March, Live interactive webinar, 12.00-13.00
Governance in special schools – networking session (A)
Wednesday 4 February, Live interactive webinar, 10.00-12.00
Lunchtime – bite sized sessions
Introduction to governing finance in maintained schools (A)
Thursday 5 February, Live interactive webinar, 12.30-13.15
Budget planning and monitoring in maintained schools (A)
Wednesday 11 March, Live interactive webinar, 12.30-13.15
Stakeholder Engagement – a core role of governance (A)
Thursday 19 March, Live interactive webinar, 12.30-13.15
Securing great outcomes for your disadvantaged (under-served) children (A)
25 March, Live interactive webinar, 12.30-13.15
Supporting school leaders health and wellbeing (A)
Tuesday 3 February, Live interactive webinar, 12.30-13.15
The role of members in a MAT (A)
On request
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. Search by date and book.
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.