Sustainability Governor Network

Employers - Take the lead on climate action in schools by joining our Sustainability Governor Network.

Why do schools need the Sustainability Governor Network?

Every school in England must have a Climate Action Plan in place by the end of 2025, aiming to progress and enhance sustainability initiatives. While there are resources to support schools, school leaders have multiple priorities. Also, most schools lack in-house sustainability expertise.

School governors are perfectly placed to ensure that sustainability is embedded into the school’s strategic direction and ethos. The Sustainability Governor Network sources and supports people with expertise or a passion for climate action to lend their expertise to governing boards. With support from partners, networking events highlight best practices, research, and insights. This enables Sustainability Governors to champion climate action on their boards and monitor progress against Climate Action Plans.

What is a Sustainability Governor?

A Sustainability Governor fulfils the typical role of a school governor while focusing on sustainability initiatives. By joining the Sustainability Governor Network through their employer, school governors contribute to lasting climate action in schools while building valuable connections. Their key responsibilities include:

  • Integrating sustainability into strategy: They ensure sustainability is embedded into the school’s strategic vision and policies, aligning with broader environmental goals.
  • Collaborating on the Climate Action Plan: Sustainability Governors work closely with stakeholders to develop or monitor the school’s Climate Action Plan, ensuring actionable progress.
  • Evaluating and reporting progress: They assess the school’s engagement with the Climate Action Plan and provide feedback to the governing board on improvements and outcomes.
  • Networking events: Additionally, every Sustainability Governor can participate in regular online networking events. These sessions offer opportunities to share challenges, successes, and insights with key stakeholders across the Sustainability Governor Network.

Why partner with the Sustainability Governor Network (SGN)?

The opportunity to join the Sustainability Governor Network is exclusively available to our corporate partners and their employees. Partnering with the Sustainability Governor Network positions your organisation as a leader in sustainability, while simultaneously empowering schools to tackle the climate emergency. Here’s how a partnership benefits both your organisation and the network:

  • Exclusive school governor recruitment events: Your employees will be engaged in exclusive online events tailored to the SGN. These sessions provide valuable insights into the school governor role, the onboarding process, and how school governors can support schools in achieving sustainability goals.
  • Prioritised volunteer placement: Additionally, our dedicated Partnership Managers will prioritise placing your employees on governing boards. They will guide them through the application process and match them with schools seeking a sustainability lead.
  • Tailored progress reports: Our team will provide you with bi-annual progress reports. These will highlight the impact of your partnership, including the number of students reached, volunteer hours contributed, and the financial value of your organisation’s support.
  • Demonstrable commitment to sustainability: You’ll be able to show your dedication to sustainability by actively participating in the network.
  • Platform for sharing insight: You’ll also be able to showcase your organisation’s expertise in climate action by sharing research, case studies, and success stories with the SGN to expand your influence and impact.

Benefits for your employees:

  • Specialised sustainability governor training: To ensure success, we’ll support your volunteers with access to a bespoke eLearning module designed to develop skills needed to be effective Sustainability Governors. This includes essential responsibilities and strategies for driving sustainability on school boards.
  • Collaborative networking sessions: Furthermore, your employees can participate in online networking events designed to share best practices and address key climate action priorities. They’ll connect with other school governors to exchange innovative ideas and strategies for sustainability in schools.
  • Skill development: Taking on a school governor role is a skilled volunteering opportunity for your employees, giving them exposure to strategic, board-level decision-making to support their career progression.

Regardless of whether your organisation is a large corporate or a Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME), you can become part of the SGN. We have a range of different cost points available.

Partner with us

If you think your organisation could benefit from joining the Sustainability Governor Network, reach out to us.
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