National Leaders of Governance (NLG) Reform: Year 1 Evaluation

This document describes an evaluation of the reformed National Leaders of Governance (NLG) programme, aimed at enhancing governance in schools and trusts with identified weaknesses. The programme introduces new standards, a rigorous selection process, and professional training, with NLGs now receiving compensation for their support. The evaluation, conducted by York Consulting, utilized management information reviews, interviews, and focus groups to assess the programme's effectiveness. Results show that the programme surpassed its target for NLG appointments, with 66 NLGs appointed from 291 applications, but faced challenges such as regional availability and diversity among NLGs. The matching process was effective, with stakeholder satisfaction, and the programme was well-received for its potential to improve governance. Recommendations include addressing regional referral rate variability, ensuring consistent delivery, and extending action plan timescales. The document also highlights the need for more consistent NLG deployment, clearer communication, and suggests expanding eligibility criteria and support for commissioners. While it is too early for a definitive impact assessment, the programme is viewed as an improvement with a robust recruitment and training process. Further feedback and participation in evaluation interviews are encouraged. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: Department for Education (DfE)
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Process evaluation
• Process methods: Focus groups or group interviews; Individual interviews; Other
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: October 2022

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes