Clerking

This section will help clerks to governing bodies and trust boards find resources relating to specific expectations of their role and responsibilities. A range of webinars, podcasts and articles detailing good practice, procedural guidance and information on a variety of topics relevant to clerking are contained in this section. Do not forget, generic content on Ofsted, Safeguarding etc. is to be found in other areas of our Better Governor website.

• Clerks' Forum Agenda Setting (RECORDED JUNE '24)

  This Better Governor webinar delivered by governance experts, Steve Barker and Linda Waghorn, looked at understanding the role of the clerk / governance professional in preparing and managing the agenda. Explored legal expectations relating to setting a governor meeting agenda and shared good practice in agenda creation.

  Consultant: Steve Barker June 2024

• Good practice in clerking Suspensions and Exclusions (Recorded Dec '23)

  Good practice in clerking Suspensions and Exclusions webinar, recorded December 12th 2023

  Consultant: Steve Barker December 2023

• Clerks' Forum (Recorded Dec '23)

  With a specific focus on Safeguarding, this Better Governor session was an opportunity for clerks to discuss issues, concerns or seek clarification on recent changes in guidance.

  Consultant: Steve Barker December 2023

• Clerks’ Forum: Suspension and Exclusion – your role (RECORDED MAR 2023)

  Clerks’ Forum: Suspension and Exclusion – your role - 23rd March 2023, 12:00 Delivered by Steve Barker; Head of Governance Services and Rochelle Clarke Assistant Head of Governance Services

  Consultant: Steve Barker March 2023

• Understanding the board's role in Safeguarding in 2023 (RECORDED FEBRUARY 23)

  Understanding the board's role in Safeguarding in 2023, webinar. Delivered by Steve Barker.

  Consultant: Steve Barker February 2023

• Clerks Forum (RECORDED DEC 2022)

  This Better Governor Clerks' Forum webinar, focused on advice and regulations.

  Consultant: Steve Barker December 2022

• Clerks' Forum - July 2022

  This Better Governor Clerks' Forum webinar, focused on the Administration competency within the Department for Educations' Clerking Competency Framework. We explored the Administration role of the clerk paying particular attention to, what the Competency Framework describes as, 'High-quality paperwork' which the framework rightly states can lead to 'better-informed decision making, and clear record-keeping enables compliance and accurate reporting to others within, and outside, the organisation.

  Consultant: Steve Barker July 2022

• Clerks' Forum (January 2021)

  This Clerks’ Forum focused on the Competency 1, within the Clerking Competency Framework. ‘Understanding Governance’ is the foundation of the clerking role and we will explore the Core Functions of governance; what they mean in 2022 and specifically how they relate to and impact on the role of the clerk. We clarifed the specific statutory role and duties of the clerk and signpost relevant sources of further information, support and development opportunities that will enhance the role of the professional clerk.

  Consultant: Steve Barker January 2022

• Improving the quality of minutes (Recorded December 2021)

  This Better Governor webinar was primarily aimed at clerks, but would be of benefit to governors and trustees who wish to deepen their understanding of good practice in this vital aspect of governance. We explored good practice in minute taking, drafting and and approval, equipping clerks with the knowledge of best practice, as we approach 2022, in terms of effective minutes that support effective governance in our schools and trusts.

  Consultant: Steve Barker December 2021

• The clerk as a professional advisor (Recorded April 2021)

  This Better Governor webinar focused on the key competence of the professional clerk; that of providing advice and guidance to governing boards. We explored how this is best achieved and outline strategies that clerks can employ to overcome barriers to them being enabled and empowered to do so.

  Consultant: Steve Barker March 2021