Throughout my career I’ve work in several schools with varying styles of governing bodies. At best, governors were seen as a positive group by staff; they actively involved themselves in training alongside teachers, engaged conversations about their subjects, and genuinely seemed to care about the school and its staff.

At worst, there was a distinct “them and us” mentality: edicts were passed from meetings to the staff and were often worded in a negative manner. Whenever governors visited it felt like an inspection; conversations flowed like interviews and staff felt like they were being judged.

The foundations of a successful governing body lie in building effective relationships, not only between governors and senior leaders, but with all staff members. Here are my tips on how to get started.

Keep em sweet

All teachers love cake, especially at the end of a tough half term. I was lucky enough to be on a governing body with an amazing baker who always supplied cakes for meetings. But for those non bakers, shop bought is received with equal enthusiasm.

The power of praise

One of the biggest moans I’ve heard from staff is that governors aren’t aware of what is happening in the different subject areas or recognise when teachers go above and beyond their daily heap of duties. Teachers often spend many hours collating evidence for awards submissions, or preparing for school productions making costumes and props, and imploring children to “speak up, slow down and sound enthusiastic!” A card or letter from the governing body to acknowledge this hard work goes a long way to making staff feel valued.

It’s good to talk

Most staff have an interest in their subject or co-ordinator role, so find time to speak informally to them about what is happening in the subject, what is working well and what needs additional support and resources. Where I’ve seen this work best, staff felt supported and that they were genuinely being listened to.

The big reveal

Perhaps the worst issue is staff not knowing who is on the governing body; meetings are usually held after most staff have left for the evening. Why not host a yearly lunch to give all staff and governors the opportunity to chat and get to know one another. These can range from a bring and share to a buffet provided by an outside agency, what is important is that governors circulate and speak to all staff in a relaxed environment.

Sarah Williams is deputy headteacher at St Hild’s College CE Primary at Gilesgate in Durham