Governance shapes culture, safeguards mission, and guides decisions that affect students, families, and future generations. CEN’s governance work exists to support boards, associations, and senior leaders to steward this responsibility faithfully and wisely within increasingly complex regulatory, cultural, and educational environments.
CEN is committed to growing the skills of board members. This is maintained through a host of online courses accessible below. These self-paced online short courses can be undertaken by individual board members, or be completed as a board together.
Email [email protected] to request access to board training or to enquire about face to face options.
These online courses are included in membership for CEN member schools, and can be accessed at a fee for non-members.
The Board Members’ Handbook is a ready reference guide and tool for introducing new and experienced board members to the task of governing Christian schools faithfully. The handbook is currently undergoing some updates, and a new format will be available soon.
Board Induction
This training is designed to assist new board members by providing a short introductory course.
NSW Board Induction (Reponsible Persons)
This training provides specialised professional learning for NSW Christian school boards
Governance Module 1 – The Board’s Governance Role
It is an incredible privilege to serve on the board of a Christian school. The Association places in their board’s hands their responsibility for the school, school community, and its resources under the vision and mission of the school. This is a wonderful ministry and a significant challenge. This course will help boards in this important task.
Governance Module 2 – Due Diligence
A Christian school board should demonstrate a godly attitude to their governance duties and faithfulness in the governance task. In many ways, community and regulatory expectations align very well with our Christian values of integrity, transparency and working for the good of others. In governance, this is captured in the concept of ‘due diligence’. This course will help boards in this very important aspect of board service.
Governance Module 3 – Board Conduct
Board service is much like the rest of the Christian walk – we not only think about what we do, but also the attitude and manner in which we do it. This course will help boards to reflect on their conduct as they carry out their important task
Governance Module 4 – Board Papers and Records
A board needs to be both diligent, and able to show its diligence. Board papers and records are a critical aspect of the effective oversight of the school, underpin the relationship between the executive and the board, and fulfil an important compliance function. This course will help boards to be provided good information and keep appropriate records.
Governance Module 5 – Board Meetings and Decision-Making
A board’s meeting time is essential to good governance – not only in terms of the decisions made, but also related to the interactions with management, the opportunity to listen to each other, to set the tone and to forge a strong team. This course will help boards to have effective, efficient and uplifting board meetings.
Governance Module 6 – The Board and Principal
One of the most important relationships for your board is the relationship between the board and the principal/executive principal. This cannot be emphasised enough. Together, you provide direction, leadership, and vision for the school community; your roles are different, but a school will thrive when the principal and board are working well together. This course will help boards in this important relationship.
Governance Module 7 – Leading the Vision and Mission
One of the first priorities for a board member is to understand the vision, mission and values of your school. It is your duty to uphold this, as it is set out in your Constitution, and to ensure the school’s vision is lived out in your community. This course will help boards in this important task.