National Governance Association

National Governance Association Empowering those in governance with valuable resources & support to shape stronger governance. Local Governor Associations may also join the NGA.

NGA support local governor associations and governing bodies, lobby ministers and policy makers on all policies that impact schools and offer high-quality guidance, information, conferences and advice for governors and governance professionals. NGA facilitate effective communication with our members, tailored to the requirements of governors. Our range of communications includes our bi-monthly mag

azine; Governing Matters, a weekly e-newsletter, bulletin board for local associations and regular events and conferences. Governors can join the NGA as individuals, or as members of a government maintained governing body; this includes academies, free schools and city technology colleges. Local authorities, education organisations and education businesses can also support the work of the NGA as corporate partners.

✨ Our Annual Conference brings NGA members, leaders and experts together to discuss the priorities shaping governance fo...
19/08/2026

✨ Our Annual Conference brings NGA members, leaders and experts together to discuss the priorities shaping governance for the year ahead. https://www.nga.org.uk/events/annual-conference-and-agm-2026/

This is your chance to hear directly from NGA's leadership as we set out our key areas of focus for the year ahead, shaped by the views and experiences of our members.

We'll be joined by sector experts and leaders who will share fresh perspectives, practical ideas and insights to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities facing governance.

Our topics to discuss include:

📍 Effective local governance in multi academy trusts
🎯 Strategic leadership and intelligent delegation
🤖 Using AI and digital tools to reduce governance workload
📝 The role of governance in planned reforms to SEND support

Book your free place and join us on Thursday 19 November as part of the Schools & Academies Show, held at the NEC in Birmingham.

Register 👉 https://www.nga.org.uk/events/annual-conference-and-agm-2026/?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ngaconf

👏 Congratulations to all students receiving their results today - here are our key takeaways from  ! https://www.nga.org...
13/08/2026

👏 Congratulations to all students receiving their results today - here are our key takeaways from ! https://www.nga.org.uk/news-views/directory/results-day-2026-a-level-t-level-and-vocational-level-3-results/

On behalf of everyone at NGA and the wider governance community, we offer our warmest congratulations to all students receiving their A-Level, T-Level and vocational results today.

Every result is powered by the dedication of school leaders, teachers, families and governing boards, all working to ensure each pupil receives high‑quality teaching, strong pastoral support and access to the best possible opportunities.

We wish the class of 2026 every success, whichever next step you choose to take on your journey.

Read our reaction 👉 https://www.nga.org.uk/news-views/directory/results-day-2026-a-level-t-level-and-vocational-level-3-results/

10/08/2026

🚀 Supporting executive leaders well starts with a better performance framework.

Our new executive performance management support service helps boards move beyond one‑off annual appraisals and towards a meaningful, year‑round development cycle.

Built around our specially designed executive leadership framework, it supports boards to:

🎯 Align expectations with the strategic direction of the trust or school
💬 Use 360‑degree feedback to strengthen leadership growth
🗓️ Provide consistent, constructive support throughout the year

📽 NGA’s Head of Consultancy, Rosemary Lovatt, explains how it all works.

Find out more 👉 https://www.nga.org.uk/exec-performance-management

📝 We'll be kicking off the new academic year with an important webinar exploring the new allergy responsibilities facing...
04/08/2026

📝 We'll be kicking off the new academic year with an important webinar exploring the new allergy responsibilities facing schools and trusts. https://www.nga.org.uk/events/understanding-the-changing-allergy-responsibilities-for-boards-and-schools/

Our policy experts will be joined by Sarah Knight from The Allergy Team to explain the DfE's new statutory guidance and offer practical advice on meeting these expectations.

The session will be helpful for all governors, trustees and governance professionals, as the new guidance impacts those governing in all settings.

It will be especially relevant for safeguarding governors as they get to grips with this expansion of their responsibilities.

Book your place 👉 https://www.nga.org.uk/events/understanding-the-changing-allergy-responsibilities-for-boards-and-schools/

📈 Real performance doesn’t improve in a once-a-year appraisal. shift from an annual appraisal meeting to a continuous, s...
30/07/2026

📈 Real performance doesn’t improve in a once-a-year appraisal.
shift from an annual appraisal meeting to a continuous, strategy-led approach focused
As the CEO role becomes more complex, the way we manage performance needs to evolve.

We're excited to launch NGA Consultancy's new executive leader performance management support service later this month.

Our consultants will help your board shift from an annual appraisal meeting to a continuous, strategy-led approach focused on the growth of your executive leader.

Explore our consultancy services 👉 https://www.nga.org.uk/training/directory/executive-leader-performance-management-support

AI is already changing education, and governance needs to keep pace.That's why we're excited to launch our new AI Toolki...
28/07/2026

AI is already changing education, and governance needs to keep pace.

That's why we're excited to launch our new AI Toolkit and Policy Builder, developed in partnership with Google for Education.

Designed specifically for governors, trustees and governance professionals, these practical resources will help boards:

• Build confidence and understanding of AI in education
• Ask the right questions and have meaningful conversations with school leaders
• Develop a robust AI policy tailored to their school or trust
• Provide informed, effective strategic oversight as AI continues to evolve

As AI becomes an increasingly important part of teaching, learning and school operations, good governance has never been more important.
Explore the toolkit and help your board navigate AI with confidence.
https://www.nga.org.uk/knowledge-centre/ai-toolkit/

New member guidance: Academy Trust Handbook 2026 – what’s changed for you?The Department for Education (DfE) has publish...
24/07/2026

New member guidance: Academy Trust Handbook 2026 – what’s changed for you?

The Department for Education (DfE) has published the updated Academy Trust Handbook (ATH) 2026, which comes into effect from 1 October 2026.

There are several important changes for academy trust boards, trustees, executives and governance professionals to be aware of, including:

🔹 New executive pay guidance, including DfE approval requirements for some decisions
🔹 A requirement to publish details of how trust funds are distributed
🔹 A renewed focus on trustees’ financial skills and experience

To help members navigate the updates, we’ve produced a practical summary outlining:

✅ What the ATH covers
✅ What’s new for 2026
✅ What boards need to know and consider

Read the member-only guidance in our Knowledge Centre:

https://www.nga.org.uk/knowledge-centre/academy-trust-handbook-2026/

MAT inspection is coming. The question now is not whether trusts will be inspected, but what good inspection should look...
20/07/2026

MAT inspection is coming. The question now is not whether trusts will be inspected, but what good inspection should look like.

NGA has published new research setting out the principles needed for a credible, proportionate and effective MAT inspection framework.

This research is timely, following the publication of the updated Academy Trust Handbook, which further highlights the importance of strong governance, accountability and effective trust oversight

Our paper explores how MAT inspection can:
✅ Evaluate trusts as organisations in their own right
✅ Recognise the role of governance in effective trust leadership
✅ Provide meaningful assurance while supporting improvement

As the system develops, inspection must reflect the reality of how trusts operate and the vital role played by boards, trustees and governance professionals.

Read the full research: https://www.nga.org.uk/knowledge-centre/moving-towards-a-mat-inspection-framework/

Address

102 Colmore Row
Birmingham
B33AG

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441212373780

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when National Governance Association posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to National Governance Association:

Shortcuts

Share