David Low

About me:
I was designated as an NLG in February 2016 by the NCTL. I am a retired primary Headteacher. My career was spent teaching in Hackney, Plaistow and the East London Boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge and Havering. I have served in many governance roles: teacher governor, Headteacher
Governor, Parent Governor, Co-opted Governor in both maintained schools and academies. 

I am currently vice-chair of a MAT with approximately 6000 students aged from 3 to 19. I am currently the Chair of an IEB appointed by the RSC and am also undertaking a range of governance support / development roles commissioned by the Local Authority. 

I am also consulting with a governance development provider on training being provided throughout London, NE London and the East
Region.

Governance experience:

  • Primary
  • Junior
  • Secondary
  • Academy
  • Multi Academy Trust – Member
  • Multi Academy Trust – Chair
  • Multi Academy Trust – Trustee
  • Multi Academy Trust – LGB Chair

NLG experience:

Support:
Pre-Ofsted urgent governance intervention (primary faith school)

GB without either Chair or Vice-chair

GB with Interim Vice-chair and inexperienced governors – also supporting the Headteacher

GB where governors resigned en masse

Shadow GB – support for GB, Chair designate and Headteacher

Designate for new primary VA faith school opening in September 2018

Chair IEB – Secondary (now converted to LGB -MAT)

Chair IEB (maintained secondary) Appointed by RSC

Consultancy:
Governance development provider since January 2018

Training:
New Governors Induction Training (for LA)

Pupil Premium Training (for LA)

Bespoke Training (VA faith school and others)

1. Strategic Leadership 5. Compliance
Creating a shared vision, ethos and strategic direction Understanding the regulatory framework for governance
Strategic planning for schools and boards Compliance with the Academy Financial Handbook
Strategic financial leadership Readiness for Ofsted
Strategic HR leadership Effective Safeguarding
Strategic business leadership Strategic leadership of SEND and inclusion
Leading change management Strategic leadership of Pupil Premium and provision for disadvantaged pupils
Stakeholder engagement & communication Data management and GDPR
Managing and prioritising risks Health and Safety responsibilities
Equality responsibilities
Investigations, panels and appeals
2. Accountability 6. Evaluation
Strategic Leadership of school improvement External Reviews of Governance
Creating accountability structures, SMART targets and KPIs MAT Health Checks
Planning and leading strategic monitoring Reviews of LGBs
Presenting and analysing data Skills audits and action planning
Triangulation, benchmarking and holding to account Facilitated governance self-reviews
Headteacher performance management Performance Management of Chairs
Monitoring of staff performance management Governor appraisals
CEO performance management
Chair performance management
Complaint investigation and management
3. People 7. Other areas of expertise
Team leadership Leading governance networks
Recruiting and retaining the governance team Developing governor training
Succession planning Delivering governor training
Creating a team culture Developing governance support materials
Expectation setting and conduct
Holding the governance team to account
Creating a governance development plan
Relationship management
Conflict management
Meeting management
4. Structures 8. NLG Training Completed
Governance team organisation, processes and structures – constitutions, terms of reference, role profiles NLG induction
Creating a scheme of delegation Essential deployment skills
Governance in a Local Governing Body Power of Coaching
Trust board governance External Review of Governance
Forming a Trust board Governance leadership programme (DfE)
Forming a MAT
Joining a MAT
Governance in Federations