Education briefing: The critical role of the governance professional

Education breakfast briefing: The critical role of the governance professional

Build confidence and impact as a governance professional - legal frameworks, team roles, and practical leadership tips.

The skills, knowledge and experience of the Clerk or Governance Professional are central to effective decision‑making and the wider success of governance across any organisation. Whether you clerk a local panel or committee, support a Board of Trustees, lead a team of clerks, or oversee governance at trust or group level, this practical breakfast session will strengthen your confidence and clarity.

We’ll explore the role of governance professionals and teams within organisational structures, the key legal frameworks you operate within, and pragmatic leadership techniques you can apply immediately in operational delivery.

What you’ll gain

• Clarity on the role and remit of governance professionals and teams across board, committee and local structures.
• A plain‑English walkthrough of core legal frameworks that shape meetings, records and decision‑making.
• Practical leadership tips to improve preparation, chair support, minute quality, action tracking and follow‑through.
• Confidence in operational delivery—from agendas and papers to escalation routes and assurance.
• Peer insight and networking with fellow clerks and governance leads.

Who should attend

• Clerks/Governance Professionals to local panels/committees or Boards of Trustees.
• Governance team leads/heads of governance seeking to upskill their team and standardise practice.
• Strategic leads reviewing, initiating or maturing governance functions within a trust or wider organisation.

Our speakers

Partner and head of charities at Wilkin Chapman Rollits, Gerry advises boards and trustees on governance, compliance and risk management. With extensive experience in charity and education sectors, Gerry brings practical insight into effective governance structures.

Founder of Young+ and a seasoned education consultant, Sarah works with schools and trusts to strengthen leadership and governance. She is widely recognised for translating complex policy into actionable strategies for education leaders.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Wilkin Chapman Solicitors