Strategic thinking is not innate

Too many governors are thrown into the deep end with concrete boots. Expected to be strategic oversight experts from day one, while our schools' futures and our students' chances hang in the balance.

What's the result?

• Boards diving into operational details because it feels safer than strategy.

• Governors hesitating to ask crucial questions.

• Talented leaders stepping away.

We need to shatter the myth that strategic thinking is innate.

Governance is a skilled profession that deserves:

• Professional development that goes beyond basic compliance

• Space and support to develop strategic muscles

• Partnerships where growth and learning are celebrated

Every frustrated governor who walks away is talent wasted. Every board stuck in operational quicksand is a missed opportunity to transform education. And every minute we spend hoping "they'll figure it out" isn't just time stolen from building strong governance but opportunity lost from our children's futures.

Strategic thinking isn't magically bestowed at the first board meeting - it's a skill that needs nurturing, training, and time. And we need to stop expecting our newest governors just to 'get it' from day one.

Right now, we're not just letting down our governors. We're compromising our schools' potential and we're limiting our children's futures.

The choice is clear: continue pretending governance expertise appears by magic, or get serious about developing the strategic partnerships our schools deserve.

I'm committed. Are you?