HOW TO BE A GREAT GoaT
A guide to being a brilliant Governor or a Trustee.
An indispensable roadmap through the maze of serving on governing bodies.
HOW TO BE A GREAT GoaT
This book is for school and college governors and trustees, Chairs, and trust members, as well as governance professionals.
20+ years in the making, it’s short and easy to read. Not about rules or procedures, rather, it answers the all-to-rarely posed question: ‘How do I do this job?’ by focusing on attributes (Independence; Challenge; Listening; Support; Curiosity; Humility; Conscientiousness; Pessimism; Intolerance; Resilience; Self-improvement; Self-criticism) of a great GoaT – and how they function across the key theatres of governance, illustrated by examples drawn from personal experience.
GoaT helps 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.
Here’s what people are saying about it.
And here’s the full contents.
GoaT can be ordered from your local bookshop, or through Amazon in hard copy or as an e-book by clicking here.
What’s Inside?
Goat CONTENTS
Foreword
Introduction
The Attributes of Great GoaTs
Independence
Challenge
Listening
Support
Curiosity
Humility
Conscientiousness
Pessimism
Intolerance
Resilience
Self-improvement
Self-criticism
The Scope of GoaTship
Strategy
Finance
Performance
Management
Risk
Succession Planning
Crisis resolution
The Chief GoaT
The art of chairing
The Tribe of GoaTs
Hallmarks of Excellence
The Clerk
A Particular Breed of GoaT
Members: the Overseers’ Overseers
Nolan: Best Behaviour
A Stimulus to Challenge: No-Conflict Questions
And, Finally, Exiting your GoaTship
Avoiding the Dread
Some Case Studies and Tools
Governance charter model
Academy crisis resolution case study
School transformation case study
Leader recruitment flowchart
Skills audit + board profile mode
Model Pros & Cons 1-pager
Model Project Investment Proposal
About the Author
A Timeline in Education & Governance
About the Sponsor
What They Say
A COLLECTION OF (COMPLIMENTARY) COMMENTS ABOUT
“HOW TO BE A GREAT GoaT – A GUIDE TO BEING A BRILLIANT GOVERNOR OR A TRUSTEE”
From the back cover
‘Your guide book is the perfect introduction and support for newbies and a helpful reference for established GoaTs.’
Peter Green, Chair, Frontier Learning Trust
‘It is very easy to read and the points are spot on, with succinct examples to emphasise the point. It has already motivated me in my own governance roles.’
Mark Greatrex, Chief Executive, Bellevue Place Education Trust
‘If this book contains even a small fraction of Ian Phillips’ knowledge and insight, it will prove invaluable to all readers, regardless of their own experience of educational governance.’
Reverend Joshua Kane, Chair, Dollis Primary
‘How to be a great GoaT is really a triumph. An education masterclass for anyone serving as a member of a board of governors, or contemplating it.
It’s a deep well of that scarce and precious commodity we like to refer to as common sense, and is full of real life practical examples of where governance has been critical to success, and where it has not.
Easy to read but highly analytical. Ian Phillips’ extensive experience of governorship across education shines through every page.’
David Gilbertson, entrepreneur, serial Chair, author, ex-FE governor
FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
“I have read this and really recommend it to governors, trustees, members & senior leaders. I have been a chair of governors of an LEA school, an academy trust member twice, and a college principal. The right working relationship with governors is crucial. This book will help.”
“I should disclose that I know the author well, and like and admire him as the best chair of governors ever.”
“I think it’s a really great book. It’s concise and simple in the best sense of that word. It would be just as useful for anyone serving on a board in the public sector – NHS, voluntary organisations, etc – as for school/college governors so I hope it gets promoted as widely as possible as some in other sectors will think, ‘not for me’.”
(Long-standing sector chair & leader)
“Just finished the book and it’s fantastic. I think every GoaT should read this as induction, congratulations on producing such a critical piece for the sector.”
(Ex-governance professional and presently a GoaT recruiter)
From Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent guide
This is a really useful guide for school governors and trustees, especially those like me who sometimes prefer to read a printed book instead of a website.
Whilst there is lots of guidance for governors online, this is a concise guide, written by an experienced author who has been there, done that and knows the pitfalls.
5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read insight of an experienced governor
What I really liked about this book as a new governor, was that it was like having an experienced governor as a mentor in book form.
The book is easy to read in clear bite size chunks , I can envisage that if I ever need a bit of verification on my thoughts or actions I can refer back to the book easily to put my inner governor compass back on track.
5.0 out of 5 stars Essential book for all Governors and Trustees
Fantastic book that gives brilliant insight into the world of Governors and Trustees in the Education sector. An essential for all GoaTs or aspiring GoaTs, I’ll be recommending this book as part of induction for all GoaTs I know!
5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended for governors and trustees at all stages of development
Whether you are new to governance or already experienced in this area, you will definitely benefit from having this book to hand. It is ideal for dipping into for reference, plus there are examples and models for you to use. Ian’s vast range of experience, along with his forward thinking approach is a great source of guidance and inspiration.
I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Ian recently and it’s been very nice to see this book come to fruition.
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is absolutely brilliant!
Ian Phillips (no relation) has drawn on decades of experience and expertise to produce an essential guide for school governors and trustees – and anybody considering taking up such a role.
It is easy to read and packed full with information from start to finish. I would recommend it also to teachers and parents who take an interest in how their children’s school is, or should, be managed.