Governor support testimonials

This is a new page and we would like to share our testimonials with you. If you are pleased with the service we offer and would like to add a testimonial, please email governorenquiries@derby.gov.uk, thank you. 

We have been a long standing user of the Governor Support Service and the support we receive has always been excellent. Whenever we have needed advice and support they have always been able to offer a solution even with some quite challenging issues. The training has always been relevant and up to date and delivered by a team of knowledgeable and professional people. They have also been able to help us with our governor recruitment and have certainly gone the extra mile with our help and support.

Jason Coupland - Chair of Governors, Lakeside Community Primary School

As a new Chair of Governors I am very impressed by the quality of support and training I have been able to access through Derby City Council's Governor Services. I know this view is shared by other members of our Governing Board.

Paul Davies - Chair of Governors, Murray Park School 

I have worked with Governor Services Unit for 2.5 years and I have always found them helpful and efficient.  You can always rely on sound advice on any governance issue you may have.

I would recommend any Governing Board buy into this service to help provide them with a strong support system.

Pam Miles - Clerk to Governors at six Derby City Council Maintained Schools 

As a school, and under current financial constraints, we have explored alternative provision providers. After very careful consideration, and fundamentally based upon the excellent service that we have received for many years and hopefully will continue to do so into the future, have continued to buy into a number of service packages which includes the Governor Support and Improvement Package.

I have always felt that the service received is both professional and of a high quality, especially from my direct interface with the Governor Support Team who are always eager to assist. Any queries raised are always responded to both quickly and with sound advice offered.

In my role, efficient responses are highly important to ensure that we are able to discharge our duties promptly.

Brad Ames - Chair of Governors, Chellaston Infant School 

As a relatively new clerk I have found the advice and support given by the Governor Support Team to be invaluable.  They are always there on the end of the phone to provide help and advice when needed. Their training and networking sessions are extremely relevant and informative. The help they provide through the information uploaded to Governorhub is excellent. The Clerks’ Conference and termly Network briefings that they facilitate are also a great opportunity to network with other clerks and receive relevant information. An efficient and knowledgeable service – thanks.

Sharon Gratton - Clerk to Governors, Silverhill Primary School 

Derby City Governor Support Services offer well informed advice and support for our school. Training sessions provide governors with a wide variety of courses covering all the key aspects of governance. Sessions are led by experienced and knowledgeable trainers keeping our governors up to date with current guidance and legislation. This is an excellent service and value for money.

Jonathan Gallimore, Executive Headteacher, St Chad’s Church of England (VC) Nursery and Infant School, St James’ Church of England (VA) Federation and Hardwick Primary School 

We have used Derby City Council’s Governor Support now for a number of years and have found them to be an excellent source of support, advice and training. The value for money the service offers, makes it a very easy decision each year to sign up. I would wholeheartedly recommend the service to all schools or academies.

Malc Hetherington - Headteacher, Bishop Lonsdale Church of England Primary School and Nursery