The structure and documents that define how the school is governed.

Support may include an audit, review and drafting of:

• Foundational documents, such as Articles of Association, Statutes & Bylaws, or Charter), provide the formal framework on which an organization is built. They establish its purpose, define its governance structure, clarify authority and responsibilities, and set the core rules that guide oversight, decision-making, and accountability.

• Governing policies that provide rules, guidelines, and principles that dictate how an organization operates. They establish clear operational standards and expectations for behavior of all school stakeholders.

• Board governance foundations, such as board handbook, code of conduct, conflict of interest, and key governance protocols, that define and document how the board fulfills its responsibilities.

Equipping boards to do the work well, with clear roles and disciplined practice.

Support may include:

• Governance training for trustees

• Role and responsibility clarity between board and Head, and within board roles

• Accountability practices that are clear, fair, and sustainable

• Succession planning that strengthens continuity through turnover

• Board operations optimization so meetings, committees, and board work are effective and focused

Strengthening the Board and Head partnership as a leadership system, not just an oversight relationship.

Support may include:

• Understanding “Who decides what?”- role clarity and strategic trust

• Facilitated alignment on expectations, decision-making, and how issues move through the governance system

• Chair and Head partnership support, including communication rhythms and working norms

• Understanding the unique role of the Board Chair -practical support to navigate tension, change, or complex governance dynamics

• Head of School Transition plans and support

• Facilitated decision-making for hard converstaions, changes and transitions

Building readiness at the governance and leadership level so the school can respond with clarity and confidence.

Support may include:

• Risk Management Planning

• Governance readiness for safeguarding-related issues and other high-stakes moments

• Crisis communication preparedness at the board and leadership level, including roles, decision pathways, and communication rhythm

• Coordination and alignment support during sensitive situations

Board-focused safeguarding training that builds clarity on roles, responsibilities, reporting, and governance response in high-stakes situations, helping boards stay in role and respond appropriately to sensitive issues.

Support may include:

• Board roles and responsibilities in safeguarding

• Role clarity between the board, Head of School, and safeguarding leads

• Oversight of policy, reporting, and safeguarding risk

• Governance response to allegations and critical incidents

Support is available in several formats, depending on your needs and timeline:

• Onsite training and facilitation (board retreats, leadership sessions, planning days)

• Virtual workshops and learning series (live sessions, multi-part series)

• Conference sessions (deep dives, workshops, and breakout sessions)

• Advisory support (light retainer-style guidance and Chair coaching)

In addition to working directly with schools, I have facilitated pre-conference sessions and workshops, and webinars for AAIE ECIS, CIS, EARCOS, AMISA and AISA. Session titles include:

• Leading Together at the Top: The Chair–Head Partnership, Role Clarity, and Strategic Trust

• Who Decides What? Navigating the Gray Zones Between Governance, Leadership, and Operations 

• Are we ready for a non-human board member?

• Leading Up and Leading Across: How Heads Help Boards Govern Well

• Board Culture Matters: Protecting Trust, Accountability, and Governance Effectiveness

• Board by Design: Building the Right Board, Culture, and Leadership Conditions for Strong Governance