Geoff Skewes

About me:
I was designated as an NLG in 2016 by the NCTL. I am a Chair of Governors at Walthamstow Academy and Wentworth Primary. The former is part of a large MAT (United Learning) and the latter is an Essex maintained school. I have many years’ experience of governance and education. In the past I have worked as an education consultant in the areas of School Improvement and Strategic Planning/Policy analysis and Implementation. I have worked as the following:DfE Accredited Secondary School Improvement PartnerDfE Accredited Performance Management ConsultantDfE Accredited  External AdviserOfsted TrainedSixth Form Colleges Employers Forum External Verifier for Professional Standards.

Governance experience:

  • Primary
  • Secondary
  • Academy
  • Multi Academy Trust – LGB Chair

NLG experience:

Support:
Mentoring Chairs of Governors

Chaired Independent Complaints Panels

Provision of support and advice on MAT formation and schemes of delegation

Consultancy:
External Reviews of Governance

Training:·         
Preparation for Ofsted

The School Improvement cycle

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