One hundred church school governors attended the DiocesanEducation Teams inaugural Governors Conference on Saturday 30thMarch at Stanbrook Abbey. Throughout the day, delegates were invited to explorethe theme of Vision into Action withspeakers from the Church of England, Ofsted and Anthony Collins Solicitors.
Margaret James, Diocesan Director of Education, welcomeddelegates to the conference before introducing the first session, Leading from the Centre, led by ChrisWhittington from Anthony Collins Solicitors. During his session, Chrisexplored how the virtue of humility creates a great leader, before introducing ashort time of meditation.
James McNeillie, Ofsted, led the second session, titled Outstanding Governance under the new Ofstedframework. He presented features of the new inspection framework, inaddition to exploring the importance of quality governance, self-evaluation andsafeguarding. Following this, all three speakers took part in a Question &Answer session, along with members of the Diocesan Education Team.
After time for networking over lunch, Andy Wolfe, DeputyChief Education Officer for the Church of England, maintained the vibrant moodduring his afternoon session titled Bringingthe Vision Alive. With Andy, governors unpicked and reflected on the Churchof Englands Vision for Education, DeeplyChristian, Serving the Common Good.
The conference closed with worship led by Bishop John,during which governors were invited to the altar for anointing and to receive aholding cross.
Bishop John said, It is so inspiring to know the commitmentthat school governors throughout the diocese give to this hugely important andresponsible work. Im enormously grateful to them and I give thanks to them,not only for being here today, but also for all that they do.
Watch the video on the following link to hear more aboutthe day from our delegates, speakers and staff.
For more information about becoming a Foundation (Church) governor,please contact education@cofe-worcester.org.uk.