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.
At a glance
This programme will include:
Virtual face-to-face sessions on clerking competencies
To provide guidance and support
To highlight strengths and areas for development, with a repeat review to demonstrate impact
E-learning modules and resources
Peer-to-peer and group learning
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
|
Date and time |
Activity |
|
1st May 2025 |
Programme start date |
|
22 May 2025 |
Cohort induction and welcome |
|
Self study |
Unit 1 |
|
10 July & 11 July 2025 |
Unit 2 |
|
July 2025 |
Mentoring 1 |
|
2nd October & 3rd October 2025 |
Unit 3 |
|
11 December & 12 December 2025 |
Unit 4 |
|
12 February & 13 February 2026 |
Unit 5 |
|
February 2026/March 2026 |
Workbook submission deadline |
|
February 2026/March 2026 |
Mentoring 2 |
Dates may be subject to change.
Fees may be subject to change*
|
Date and time |
Activity |
|
17th September 2025 |
Programme start date |
|
01 October 2025 |
Cohort induction and welcome |
|
Self study |
Unit 1 |
|
3rd December & 4th December 2025 |
Unit 2 |
|
December 2025 |
Mentoring 1 |
|
28th January & 29th January 2026 |
Unit 3 |
|
22nd April & 23rd April 2026 |
Unit 4 |
|
10th June & 11th June 2026 |
Unit 5 |
|
June 2026/July 2026 |
Workbook submission deadline |
|
June 2026/July 2026 |
Mentoring 2 |
Dates may be subject to change.
Fees may be subject to change*
Please read the Terms and Conditions of the programme linked from the booking form.
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