Confident governance support for schools, trusts & business
Virtual, dependable support for around 140 school and academy trust boards across England—delivered by experienced governance professionals who understand what effective oversight requires.
Nationwide virtual delivery
Responsive governance expertise wherever your school, trust or charity is based.
Support built around your board
Practical, well-organised help tailored to your people, priorities and governance arrangements.
Governance experience, connected nationwide
Since 2018, we have provided trusted virtual governance support to schools and academy trusts across England.
Founded in 2018
Around 35 governance professionals
Supporting around 140 boards
Virtual delivery across England
Governance support you can rely on
Clerking Service
Accurate, well-organised clerking shaped around your board’s needs. Explore our clerking support.
Independent Review Panels
End-to-end management of permanent exclusion reviews, with trained panel members and clerk support. Explore IRPs.
External Reviews of Governance
A clear, independent evaluation of governance against recognised statutory guidance and principles. Explore external reviews.
Governor Training
Tutor-led learning that builds knowledge, confidence and stronger governance practice. Explore training.
Ad hoc governance support
Flexible support for appeals, complaints, exclusions, HR panels and periods of cover. Explore ad hoc services.
Dependable support
Practical assistance that keeps governance organised, compliant and moving forward.
Tailored to your context
Support that reflects the structure, priorities and pressures of your school or trust.
Explore our services in detail
What guides our work
Five values shape the dependable, thoughtful support we provide to schools, academy trusts and charities.
Authenticity
We are open, approachable and grounded in the realities facing education leaders and governing boards.
Integrity
We act with honesty, discretion and sound judgement, keeping good governance at the heart of every decision.
Expertise
Our experienced professionals bring current knowledge, practical insight and confidence to complex governance work.
Relationships
We build strong relationships by listening, understanding and valuing different perspectives. Collaboration built on respect.
Professionalism
We take pride in delivering a high-quality, reliable and responsive service. Committed to high standards in everything we do.
Leadership with governance experience
Liz Bharj has owned Governance Connected since 1 April 2026. With more than 14 years’ experience in governance and a Level 4 Certificate of Academy Governance, Liz brings informed, practical leadership to the support we provide. Read our full story to learn more about the people and purpose behind Governance Connected.
"Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of postcode, funding or fortune. Strong governance helps create the conditions for better outcomes."
Governance Connected
Trusted governance support, valued by our clients
“Governance Connected provides a comprehensive and complete service. From administration of the letters and documents, appointment of the independent panel members and arranging and clerking the hearing they take control of the whole process.”
Clare McAleer
Slough & East Berkshire Multi Academy Trust
“They provided a clear SLA from the outset which was extremely cost effective when compared to other offerings. They managed the process effectively throughout taking all the stress away from the school. I would highly recommend Governance Connected to any schools.”
Steve Warren - Academy Business Director
St. Nicholas School, Buckinghamshire
“A big thank you and shout-out to Liz Bharj for an excellent training session last week. Professional and insightful, it was a great opportunity to get the team together and discuss some of the knottier points of education governance. Highly recommended as an important refresher.”
Victoria Stott - Head of Governance
Windsor Learning Partnership
Let’s discuss your governance needs
Whether you are a school, academy trust or charity, we would be pleased to hear about the support you need. Complete the form with your name, email, optional phone number, school or trust name and message, and a member of our team will be in touch. Prefer to contact us directly? Email support@governance-connected.co.uk or call 07305 929205.