GLK Solutions was contracted to provide Clerking services for the 2020/21 academic year and have since remained with them. Chetwynde School is an all-through free school. It was a SAT until September 2021 when it joined the South Cumbria MAT led by Furness College. Following an independent review of governance they had been advised to procure professional clerking services. The School were clear that their priorities were to improve the effectiveness of its Board, ensure compliance, and to develop a culture of good governance. They have now developed into an effective board, supported by GLK, recruited more governors and working as part of a new family of schools.
From the outset we worked to implement a series of templates and standard practices including introducing an annual schedule of business to ensure agendas were relevant and the Trust was compliant in statutory areas. We Then developed a template agendas and improve minutes to ensure meetings were relevant, encouraged challenge, and evidence was recorded. In addition we worked with the School to implement action plans to support governance review actions and website compliance.
It was important from the beginning that we supported the Board to develop the basics of good governance to ensure they have the necessary tools and advice in place to succeed. In addition we developed a Microsoft Teams site which now holds all documents and information for the Board including meeting papers, action plans, contact information, and an online Declaration of Interest form.
Our approach to effective clerking has provided a culture change within the Board to enable them to support the School in the long-term. Recording and reporting is now consistent and will provide good evidence for Ofsted as well as allow Trustees to track and monitor development. The sharing of information through MS Teams allows easy access to documents and support collaboration between Trustees.
In addition we have also implemented a new Code of Conduct, an improved recording of pecuniary and business interests, clear details of Trustees terms of office and attendance at meetings, and information to support induction and training.
GLK continues to support the LGB in all areas which aids their development such as identifying opportunities for Governor recruitment, training opportunities, areas they can provide effective challenge, and introducing good approaches to governance.
Resourcing a professional clerking service for Chetwynde School has made an immense difference in a very short space of time. Quite simply our clerk Lesley makes the life of a Chair of Trustees so much easier. The knowledge and expertise that GLK have brought to the school are enabling us to focus on the important strategic matters at hand, helping us to improve our performance as Trustees.
Since contracting with GLK our meetings are more effective, advice is readily available, updates are frequently received and Lesley responds quickly to any query we have. I would have no hesitation in recommending GLK to any school or MAT.
Sue Hannan
Chair of Trust Board | Chetwynde School