Governor Traning: Module 3 Managing Allegations Against Headteachers & Staff: The responsibilities of Governors, Trustees and Boards of Management

We offer face to face training in schools and other venues, as this seems to be more successful in encouraging interaction and discussion. However, we also offer the same training remotely, using Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

Governor training courses can be delivered within schools, clusters of schools or other organisations on Saturdays, or during evenings or on weekdays. Please contact the office to discuss your specific requirements.

Module 3: Managing Allegations Against Headteachers & Staff: The responsibilities of Governors, Trustees and Boards of Management.

(Also aimed at Headteachers, other senior staff, bursars and office managers).

There has been a significant increase in allegations being made against staff in recent years. In response the government has issued new guidance in Part 4 of Keeping Children Safe in Education, underpinning the Education Act 2011, which must be followed when an allegation arises in your school. These allegations are a management issue as well as a safeguarding issue. As such they are the responsibility of the Headteacher (and any allegation against a Headteacher is the responsibility of the Chair of Governors). Therefore this course is aimed at Headteachers, other senior managers and Governors.

It is recommended that at least the Head and Chair of Governors within your school or organisation have undertaken this training. However, we are increasingly being asked to deliver this training in schools to a group of senior staff or governors, as well as at central venues. Should you wish to join a centralised course or you would like to discuss an option to receive the training in school please use the contact page or telephone the office to discuss your requirements. (NB for five or more delegates it is more cost effective for you, for our trainer to come to your school or setting). This could also be organised for a group of schools if you are part of a formal or informal federation.

These issues are always complex and the first decision that must be made is whether the concern is an allegation of abuse or a complaint for the school to resolve.

In a one day course we explore the latest changes in government guidance on managing allegations. We provide skills, and we ensure understanding of statutory expectations & the law. We also explore pitfalls that must be avoided in order to ensure allegations are dealt with correctly and resolved appropriately, with the least damage to all involved, including staff, pupils and their families, schools and reputations.

The content covers:

Determining whether a concern is abuse: (an allegation or a complaint)
The management process
To suspend or not to suspend: factors to consider
The strategy meeting process
Complaint returned to school - the investigation process
The disciplinary hearing
Safer practice and avoiding the risk of allegation
Maintaining a safer culture
Much of the training is delivered through case studies, providing an opportunity to discuss issues, to consider responses and to share experiences. Many senior staff and governors value the opportunity to consider hypothetical situations or to share real concerns they are experiencing now or have experienced in the past.