Why commission an External Review of Governance?
An External Review of Governance provides an independent perspective on how effectively governance is working and where further development could strengthen the board's impact.
Evaluate effectiveness
Consider how effectively the board fulfils its strategic responsibilities and provides support and challenge.
Recognise strengths
Identify aspects of governance that are working well and should be sustained or developed further.
Identify priorities
Highlight areas where structures, practice or board development could be strengthened.
Plan next steps
Translate the findings into clear, practical recommendations for governance development.
Department for Education guidance
The Department for Education recognises External Reviews of Governance as an important part of evaluating and strengthening governance. Current guidance recommends that maintained school governing bodies undertake ERGs routinely as part of a wider programme of self-assessment and improvement, with external review particularly valuable at points of significant change or transition.
DfE guidance for academy trusts similarly recognises the value of independent external review in assessing board effectiveness and identifying priorities for further development.
Read the DfE guidance on External Reviews of Governance.
Feedback on an ERG process supported by Potential Education:
“Thank you for this concise and insightful report. It will provide valuable evidence for our self-evaluation form, helpful suggestions for the Governance element of our next School Development Plan and focused actions for the next stage in the development of our governance.
It has been a pleasure to work with you on this review and I am looking forward to implementing the suggested actions. I am sure that by addressing the challenges and embracing the opportunities ahead, we will be a stronger and more effective governing body for it.”
Elaine McMillan, Interim Chair of Governors, Marshfields School.
Experienced, independent governance review
Potential Education brings extensive experience of school leadership, governance development and independent review across different educational settings.
Our reviews are constructive and evidence-informed. They are designed to provide boards with an independent perspective on current practice while recognising the individual context, strengths and priorities of each organisation.
"Potential Education provided a thoughtful review of our trust's leadership and governance across primary, secondary and further education college sectors. This has enabled us to become much more effective.”
Heather McLachlan, CEO, Potteries Educational Trust
Every organisation has a different governance context. Contact Potential Education for an initial conversation about your school, academy or trust and how an External Review could support your next steps.