%20Wiltshire%20Governance%20Network%20Logo.jpg)
FREE MEMBERSHIP: if you govern in any Wiltshire or Swindon school, you are already part of our network.
If you want notifications directly to your inbox, join here
WGN is your independent local network for effective, ethical and accountable governance. We provide a governance network to ensure the best education for Wiltshire’s children and young people. We are the independent body for the whole governance community in Wiltshire.
• We advocate for governors, governing bodies, trustees and academy trusts
• We listen to, learn from and support our members
• We share best governance practice and our collective experience
• We provide independent networking, development opportunities and peer advice
• We consult on issues of common concern and address policy issues
• We engage with local and national government on behalf of our members
• We appoint representatives to local authority committees and other partners
WGN strengthens our community. Makes connections. Supports you.
Have Your Say on Wiltshire’s School Funding
Wiltshire Council is asking all mainstream schools to share their views on a proposed transfer of funding within the Dedicated Schools Grant — moving 1% from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block. Your feedback is vital to help shape future decisions.
📅 Consultation runs: 3–21 November 2025
📅 WGN online briefing: 10 November 2025 @ 6pm
BOOK HERE
To help governors respond confidently, we have invited Liz Williams, Finance Lead for High Needs Sustainability, to explain the proposal, its rationale, and what it could mean for school budgets — including current protections in the funding formula.
You’ll also have the chance to ask questions and discuss the proposals.
🔍 This session is aimed at maintained schools and academies as the schools block affects all mainstream schools.
If you have any queries ahead of the briefing, please contact: liz.williams@wiltshire.gov.uk
Make sure your school’s voice is heard — take part in the consultation!
We are a network for support, discussion and representation.
Click the link above which will take you to the membership application form. Our service is member-led and free.
We are independent of and different to Wiltshire Governor Services (WGS). We are run by volunteers and provide a voice for all publicly-funded schools in Wiltshire, including academies.
ACTIVITIES
Our network:
• Promotes good governance • Furthers governor development • Celebrates best governance practice • Brings governors and trustees together to support and learn • Provides an independent governance voice
We do this by:
Advocating for governance • Organising independent meetings and events • Representing governors as required • Speaking at external events by invitation • Collaborating with the LA and NGA towards good governance • Signposting services and training, support and advice • Providing representatives to the Wiltshire Council Schools Forum and the Wiltshire Learning Alliance Executive Board.
Wiltshire Schools Forum
The Wiltshire Schools Forum is a statutory body which the Local Authority (Wiltshire Council) is required to consult on the following functions:
-
Consultation on School Funding Formula
-
Consultation on contracts
-
Consultation on financial issues.
The majority of forum members are “schools members”. There are 6 elected Headteacher representatives (1 secondary, 4 primary and 1 special), 5 elected Academy representatives (3 secondary, 1 primary and 1 special) and 4 elected governor representatives (1 secondary, 2 primary and 1 school with SEN provision).
These 15 members, along with the two Early Years representatives are the only members allowed to vote on the funding formula.
There are also nominated service partner representatives (1 Diocesan representative and 1 teacher representative).
Wiltshire Learning Alliance
The Wiltshire Learning Alliance represents every school in Wiltshire and is focused on bringing the education community together to achieve the best possible life chances for children, young people and their families. The Board:
-
Act as the strategic forum for the Wiltshire Learning Alliance.
-
Provide the strategic and operational leadership for the Alliance, gaining its authority and legitimacy through its representative membership of those organisations with a stake in improving the learning outcomes for all children and young people in Wiltshire.
-
Identify key medium-term priorities and facilitate creation of workplans to deliver against key performance data and milestones.
WGN is represented on the Board of this important Alliance which includes all state funded (both maintained schools and academies) 2-25 provision across Wiltshire.
OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
EVENT 21st JUNE 25 - "IMPACT"
We were thrilled to hear from Ian Phillips on how to be a great GoaT.
Ian's been a school and college chair, governor, trustee, member, and consultant and his book was 20+ years in the making.
This inspiring session helped experienced GoaTs improve, and new ones understand the scope of the role, so that all enjoy a rich and rewarding experience while adding real value to our schools and colleges.
Thanks for joining us. You can find Ian's book here. The speech can be viewed below.
EVENT 12th MAY 25 - "POLICY"
Emerging schools policy and the future of academies were the key topics of our latest Wiltshire Governance Network meeting.
We were privileged to welcome DfE's South West Regions Group. This was a real coup of a guest speaker and we weren't disappointed.
Liz spoke with candour and transparency and there was plenty of opportunity for questions.
With many thanks to Liz Alder, Team Leader for the DfE's South West Regions Group.
EVENT 29th MARCH 25 - "TIME"
Governor workload and wellbeing is on all of our minds.
This was the topic of our March Wiltshire Governance Network meeting where we welcomed the NGA to better understand how governor capacity and wellbeing can be managed effectively.
We focused on governor wellbeing and hands-on efficiencies that can create capacity.
With many thanks to Ella Colley of NGA.
You can download the slide deck below.