Services are available to both Camden schools and those outside the borough, with flexible access through the Governor Training and Consultancy Package and the Governor Clerking SLA. One-off training and clerking options are also available, ensuring accessibility for governing bodies with varying needs. With a clear understanding of the evolving education landscape, Governor Services equips governance teams at all levels with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to lead with impact.
Services Provided
Conference
The Annual Governors’ Conference is Camden Learning’s flagship governance event, held each spring to strengthen leadership across Camden schools. The day begins with a keynote address from a nationally recognised speaker, offering fresh insight into current educational priorities. Past speakers have included Marc Rowland on equity and pupil premium, and Joysy John MBE on the role of artificial intelligence in education. Following the keynote, governors take part in workshops tailored to Camden’s strategic challenges, covering topics such as safeguarding, attendance, digital strategy, headteacher wellbeing, and inclusive leadership. Sessions reflect the latest policy developments, including updates to the Ofsted framework, and provide practical tools governors can apply in their schools. The conference also offers valuable opportunities to network, share experiences, and build connections, fostering a collaborative and confident governance community.
Support for Chairs
We offer a robust support package for Chairs, including:
- Chairs’ Network (termly)
- Chairs’ Hub and mentorship programme
- Introductory meetings and strategic guidance
Clerking services
Our quality-assured clerking service includes:
- Termly agenda planning and briefings
- Drafted minutes within ten school days
- Cover for clerk absence
- Monitoring visits and quality assurance
- Access to GovernorHub for streamlined administration
- Full details can be accessed here
Bespoke training
Bespoke training, tailored to the specific needs of individual schools and delivered by experienced consultants, is also available. Sessions cover a wide range of topics including:
- Interpreting school performance data,
- Safeguarding
- SEND and inclusive teaching
- Financial oversight, and
- Ofsted preparation.
Boards can also request training on panel procedures (exclusions and complaints) governor roles and responsibilities and evaluating board effectiveness. Additional topics can be commissioned to reflect the unique context and priorities of each school, ensuring governors receive relevant, high-quality development aligned with national expectations and Camden’s strategic goals.
Model documentation
Camden Learning has a bank of model documentation, policies and procedural guidance hosted on Governor Hub available to schools and academies who purchase the Governor Training Package and include:
- Camden Learning’s self-evaluation toolkit
- Templates for meeting minutes and agendas
- Model terms of reference and standing orders
- Termly briefings for governors and clerks and briefing papers
What We Offer
Training and Development
Our Governor Training Programme is built around the six features of effective governance and aligned with the four judgement areas of the Ofsted Framework. In light of recent Ofsted updates, our training reflects:
- A stronger focus on attendance analysis, safeguarding, and contextualised leadership
- Support for governors in understanding SEND provision, curriculum alignment, and flexible evidence gathering during inspections
- Link to Governor Hub
Training Programme
Championing Inclusive Governance
Camden Learning is a leader in promoting diversity in school governance, building on the 2021 report The Experiences of Governors of Black, Asian, and Other Ethnicities on Camden School Governing Bodies.
The Annual Diversity Review 2025-26 highlights progress and sets priorities for 2025–26, including:
- Young Governors Programme
Engaging governors aged 18–30 with training, placements, and networking - Global Majority Governors’ Network
In partnership with Islington Council, fostering peer support and equity-focused dialogue - Community outreach
A visible presence at key community events within Camden
Camden Learning Governor Training Programme 2025–2026 Key Highlights
- Comprehensive Induction Series
Three-part induction covering roles and responsibilities, school context and leadership, and safeguarding for new governors. - Strategic Leadership Development
Sessions on succession planning, managing executive headteachers, and governing federated schools. - Specialist Networks
Termly meetings for Chairs, Safeguarding Governors, SEND Governors, and Global Majority Governors. - Finance and HR Training
Courses on budget setting, school finance management, pay and performance, and governors’ duties as employers. - Safeguarding and Inclusion
Training on trauma-informed practice, adultification, Prevent, and equalities, aligned with Camden’s inclusive governance priorities. - Complaints and Panels
Practical guidance on handling complaints and best practice for governors sitting on disciplinary and HR panels. - Curriculum Oversight
Sessions on Religious Education and behaviour, exclusions, and suspensions, linked to Ofsted expectations. - Flexible Access: A mix of online and in-person delivery, with access, at no cost for Camden Learning member schools and package holders.
