London Governance
Independent Governance Reviews for Schools and Trusts
Every governing board is different. At London Governance, we provide independent governance reviews that are tailored to your trust or school's specific priorities and the outcomes you want to achieve, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all assessment. Our reviews are grounded in practical, day-to-day experience of governance across more than 20 schools and trusts, giving us a genuine understanding of what effective governance looks like in practice.
"At London Governance, our Directors are serving Chairs within academy trusts and governors in maintained schools, giving us first-hand experience of governance from both a strategic and operational perspective.."
What is an Independent Governance Review?
An independent governance review is an external assessment of how effectively a board is operating. It looks at board structure, documentation, strategic leadership, accountability, and compliance, identifying strengths and highlighting areas where further development could add value.
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Reviews are most commonly commissioned when a trust or school wants assurance that its governance is fit for purpose, is preparing for an Ofsted inspection, has experienced a period of change in leadership or membership, or simply wants an independent perspective on how the board is performing.
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What a Governance Review Can Cover
We recognise that every board is different and, rather than offering a "one size fits all" review, we would work with you to agree a scope that reflects your school or trust's priorities and the outcomes you are looking to achieve.
​The scope of each review is agreed with you beforehand and can include any combination of the following:
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Board structure, roles, and committee effectiveness
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Governance documentation, including the Scheme of Delegation and Terms of Reference
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Strategic leadership, challenge, and accountability
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Observation of board and committee meetings
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Interviews with trustees, governors, and senior leaders
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Compliance with relevant statutory and regulatory requirements
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Benchmarking against recognised good practice frameworks
WHY CHOOSE LONDON GOVERNANCE?
Our Approach to Governance Reviews
Because our directors serve as Chairs within academy trusts and as governors in maintained schools, we see governance in practice every day. This means we can recognise genuinely effective governance, understand the pressures boards face, and provide recommendations that are constructive and achievable rather than simply theoretical.
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We work with you to agree the scope of the review in advance, ensuring it reflects your board's priorities and the specific outcomes you are looking to achieve. Our aim is always to add value and support continuous improvement, not simply to assess compliance against a checklist.
What You Will Receive
Following the review, London Governance will provide a written report summarising our findings. The report will identify strengths, highlight areas for development, and set out practical recommendations where appropriate. Our reports are designed to be actionable and useful, giving your board a clear picture of where it is performing well and where targeted improvements could make a meaningful difference.
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When you commission a governance review from us, you are working with people who understand your context, speak your language, and are committed to helping your board become the best it can be.
We work regularly with more than 20 schools and trusts, supporting boards across a wide range of governance matters, including governance reviews, permanent exclusions, suspension reviews, Independent Review Panels (IRPs), investigations, complaints, grievances, disciplinary and absence management hearings, appeals, governance compliance and Interim Executive Boards (IEBs).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of an independent governance review?
An independent governance review provides an external, objective assessment of how well a board is operating. It identifies strengths, highlights opportunities for development, and provides practical recommendations to support continuous improvement. It is not a formal inspection and is not reported to Ofsted.
How long does a governance review take?
The timescale depends on the scope agreed in advance. A focused review covering specific areas can typically be completed within a few weeks, while a more comprehensive review involving meeting observations and multiple interviews may take longer. We will agree a clear timeline with you at the outset.
Who is a governance review suitable for?
Governance reviews are suitable for maintained schools, academies, and multi-academy trusts at any stage of their development. They are particularly valuable when a board is preparing for inspection, has recently undergone significant change, or wants independent assurance that its governance is effective and compliant.
How is the scope of a governance review agreed?
Before any review begins, we work with you to understand your priorities and the outcomes you want to achieve. The scope is agreed with you in advance so that the review is focused, relevant, and genuinely useful to your board.
Does London Governance carry out governance reviews outside London?
Yes. London Governance works with schools and trusts across London and the wider UK. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements and we will confirm how we can help.