Teacher governors are also often isolated and find it hard to speak freely. They too may be unsure about the degree to which they can represent staff and take part in the governing processes. All governors need to be clear what they are there for. CASE believes that there is insufficient training for governors, often because budgets are insufficient and diminishing and not ring-fenced. Support and aid is varied.
Some LEAs have governor support officers.
In other areas governors have little support available. The disappearance of LEA clerks has been a big loss. Trained clerks provided a lot more than secretarial services as they were able to use their knowledge of education law to advise governors during and between formal meetings. Training for headship, whether initial or in-service, should include roles and responsibilities of governors and strategies for collaborative working with governors. For new governors and those who have not been previously trained there should be a compulsory induction training to cover their roles and responsibilities.