National Leaders of Governance (NLG)

National Leaders of Governance (NLG) NLGs are experienced chairs of governance, who support the development of chairs in other schools.  They are an increasingly important part of the team of system leaders.

 

Andy Wilson NLG Profile

Andy Wilson-Head and Shoulders

Andy has over 20 years’ experience in school governance beginning in 1996 as a Governor, he has gained extensive experience through serving on all the governance committees.  He was appointed Chair of Governors of Hawkley Hall High School, Wigan in 2010.  In May 2012, he was appointed as a trustee and Chair of the newly formed Rowan Learning Trust (RLT) a Multi Academy Trust (MAT).  The following November the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) appointed Andy as a National Leader of Governance (NLG).  Andy has a background in senior roles including operational and contracts management within a range of organisations in the commercial and education sectors.  A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management (MCMI).  Andy an experienced coach has a strong moral purpose and a passion for the education and development of all people within school communities.  Through his background in Management training his is able to speedily assimilate knowledge, apply it constructively and pass it on in a pleasant formal or informal manner across various levels and organisations.

He has undertaken a range of deployments in this role including:

  • Coaching and Mentoring new and existing Chairs of Governors
  • Carrying out External and Internal Reviews of Governance to provide you with an analysis of where improvement is can be made
  • Provided support to other Chairs and Governing bodies enabling them to recognise their strengths and areas for development then encouraging them to develop strategies for improvement
  • Acting as a sounding board for Chair’s who face difficult decisions or conversations enabling them to deal with these situations professionally and with confidence
  • Chair of an Interim Executive Board (IEB) put in place by a Local Authority at a school in special measures. Providing support, guidance and challenge during their school improvement journey and transition back to a Local Governing Body.
  • Supported another MAT on their whole school improvement journey as Chair of an IEB
  • Supported a Secondary school through a re-brokerage process to a new MAT

Andy has worked with a wide range of schools across a number of Local Authority Areas including:

  • High schools
  • Primary schools
  • Pupil Referral Units - primary and secondary
  • Special Schools - primary

Andy has a wide network of other NLGs who he works with and can access particular expertise.

What Ofsted have to say

“Governors have used the findings from their external review to improve the way that governance works. Governors are more informed because they have been proactive in improving their skills through seizing opportunities for training appropriate to their role.”

“The lead inspector met with the chair of the Rowan Learning Trust, a national leader of governance and two members of the local governing board, one of whom is the chair. The quality of governance has improved significantly since governors conducted an external review of their work in June 2017. Once again, the very effective contribution the trust has made to this aspect of leadership is evident. Governors are now absolutely clear about their role in school improvement. Like all other senior leaders, governors base their judgements on the impact of the school’s work on pupils. They ask challenging questions of the headteacher and, when needed, they offer very good support and guidance. Above all, governors’ expectations of what they want for the children of this part of Kirkby have risen considerably, and they are playing their part in realising these aspirations.”

Still not sure that you or your school would benefit from NLG support?  Contact Andy via email on a.wilson@rowanlearningtrust.com to arrange an informal, confidential and no obligation meeting or telephone conversation.