Leading governance: development for Clerks

Level 3 Certificate in the Clerking of School and Academy Governing Boards

Accredited by the Chartered Governance Institute, this Level 3 qualification in the Clerking of School and Academy Governing Boards develops the knowledge and skills needed for high-quality clerking.

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At a glance

This programme will include:

Eight 90-minute workshops

Virtual face-to-face sessions on clerking competencies

Dedicated mentor

To provide guidance and support

360 review

To highlight strengths and areas for development, with a repeat review to demonstrate impact

Interactive

E-learning modules and resources

Learn from others

Peer-to-peer and group learning

Supported throughout

A school-based project and learning log to record areas for focus and key learning points

about this course

Who is this suitable for?

Governance professionals and clerks with at least three months’ experience and currently working in any school or trust setting

about this course

What are the benefits?

This programme aims to develop and recognise clerking competencies by:

building your knowledge, skills and networks
creating a school-based project which is realistic in scope and should improve your clerking practice
enhancing your awareness of your own strengths and areas for development
establishing self-supporting groups to ensure learning and support continue beyond the programme
leading to an accredited qualification that recognises your competency development

about this course

How will you learn?

The Development for Clerks programme offers a blend of flexible learning and takes approximately nine months to complete
You will attend workshops led by experienced consultants and access effective one-to-one mentoring throughout
Learning will be both group-led and independent

about this course

What are the outcomes?

You will be able to fulfil the role of the modern professional clerk by:

understanding the key elements of effective governance
understanding governance structures, delegation, effective communication and the key areas for regulation and compliance
demonstrating the skills, knowledge and behaviours expected of an effective clerk, evaluating and improving your own practice
planning and recording meetings and the annual business of the board
being clear about your role in providing information, advice and guidance to the board
knowing when and how to deal with complex and challenging governance situations
building strong networks and relationships with your board, proactively supporting and developing board effectiveness

Programme journey

E-learning and self-study throughout – approximately three hours per week
Cohort induction and welcome: 30 minutes virtual face-to-face
360 review
Unit 1: Understanding governance (self-study scheduled between week 1 and 11 of the programme)
Unit 2: Role of the modern professional clerk (Two 90-minute virtual face-to-face workshops held over consecutive days scheduled between weeks 10 and 13 of the programme)
Mentor session 1 (45-minute phone or skype call scheduled between weeks 13 and 16 of the programme)
Unit 3: Administrative role of the clerk (Two 90-minute virtual face-to-face workshops held over consecutive days scheduled between weeks 17 and 22 of the programme)
Unit 4: Accountability, advice and guidance (Two 90-minute virtual face-to-face workshops held over consecutive days scheduled between weeks 23 and 28 of the programme)
Unit 5: Working together to ensure effectiveness (Two 90-minute virtual face-to-face workshops held over consecutive days scheduled between weeks 29 and 34 of the programme)
Workbook deadline
Mentor session 2 (45-minute phone or skype call scheduled between weeks 34 and 36 of the programme)
Award and celebration event

Upcoming dates

Spring 2025 (cohort 2) Start date: 25 February 2025

Date and time	Activity
25 February 2025	Programme start date
11 March 2025 09:30-10:30	Cohort induction and welcome 60 minutes virtual face-to-face
Self study	Unit 1 Understanding governance essentials
20 May & 21 May 2025 09:30-11:00	Unit 2 Role of the modern professional clerk Two 90-minute virtual face-to-face workshops held over consecutive days
May/June 2025	Mentoring 1 Phone/Skype conversation: scheduled with mentor
8 July & 9 July 2025 09:30-11:00	Unit 3 Administrative role of the clerk Two 90-minute virtual face-to-face workshops held over consecutive days
21 October & 22 October 2025 09:30-11:00	Unit 4 Accountabilities, advice and guidance Two 90-minute virtual face-to-face workshops held over consecutive days
9 December & 10 December 2025 09:30-11:00	Unit 5 Working together to ensure effectiveness Two 90-minute virtual face-to-face workshops held over consecutive days
December 2025/January 2026	Workbook submission deadline
December 2025/January 2026	Mentoring 2

Dates may be subject to change.

Book this cohort

Programme cost

£ 560

per participant

Please read the Terms and Conditions of the programme linked from the booking form.

Book your place

or call

0121 237 3780

(option 4)

Progressing through and completing the programme had an immediate impact on the quality of my clerking. It also gave me a renewed enthusiasm and confidence in the role.
The face-to-face sessions were particularly informative, and I appreciated the opportunities to network with other clerks.