Founded in 2018. Supporting governance nationwide.
Governance support that helps boards lead with confidence
Governance Connected provides responsive virtual governance support to schools, academy trusts and charities across England. Our team of 35 governance professionals supports approximately 140 boards nationwide.
Our Story
Founded in 2018, Governance Connected provides virtual governance and company secretarial support to schools, academy trusts, charities and corporate businesses. We have grown into a nationwide team of around 35 dedicated professionals, bringing extensive experience from across the education and governance sectors. Many of our colleagues are qualified to Level 3 or 4 and have held senior roles, including Head of Governance within multi-academy trusts and company secretary positions. This breadth of expertise gives us valuable first-hand insight into the challenges and opportunities facing today’s governing boards. Several colleagues have also been nominated for NGA Outstanding Governance Awards.
Governance Connected is now owned by Liz Bharj who has more than 14 years’ experience in governance.
We have established our position in a competitive market by delivering a high-quality, reliable clerking service. Our strengths include the agility to respond quickly to client needs, often on an ad hoc basis, and the ability to provide tailored governance support for panels, including through our dedicated Independent Review Panel service.
We currently support governance across all phases, in approximately 140 schools and academy trust boards nationwide. By working primarily through virtual channels, we provide flexible, responsive and cost-effective support tailored to the specific needs of each board.
We deliver confident, effective governance that makes a meaningful difference for the children, and we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, wherever they go to school. A child’s chances should not depend on postcode, funding or fortune. With strong governance, boards can work confidently, collaboratively and effectively to drive better outcomes for the children in their schools.
Our services include expert clerking, governor and trustee training, external reviews of governance, company secretarial services, and specialist support for all panels, delivered by experienced professionals who understand the governance landscape.
“To be a thriving, respected, widely known, widely used service that makes a tangible positive difference to the governance of the organisations it serves.”
Our Vision
Our mission
Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive
We believe a child’s chances in life should never depend on their postcode, the funding available to their school or trust, or the circumstances they are born into. Every child deserves an education that helps them feel safe, supported, challenged and able to fulfil their potential.
Strong, effective governance is an important part of making that ambition real. When governing boards have clear information, sound advice and the confidence to provide appropriate challenge and support, they are better placed to keep children’s needs at the centre of every decision.
By helping schools, academy trusts and charities strengthen the way they govern, we support the people responsible for setting direction, assuring standards and holding leaders to account. Thoughtful governance creates the conditions for better decisions, and better outcomes for children.
The values behind our work
Authenticity
We are genuine, approachable and hardworking. We give accurate, impartial advice, communicate openly and build trust through honest, transparent relationships.
Integrity
Honesty, transparency and accountability are key in everything we do. We are confident in our actions and deliver on our commitments.
Expertise
We combine practical experience, specialist knowledge and continuous learning to provide advice that is informed, clear and reliable for every board we support.
Relationships
We build strong relationships by listening, understanding and valuing different perspectives. We work collaboratively and treat everyone with respect to achieve the best outcomes.
Professionalism
We deliver a high-quality service that is organised, responsive and dependable. Our clients can rely on us to be prepared, thoughtful and committed to doing things well.
Liz Bharj, Owner
Liz Bharj brings a wealth of practical experience, specialist knowledge and genuine commitment to Governance Connected. Her career began in administration and bookkeeping before she moved into education governance as a clerk, supporting First, Secondary and Special schools. This breadth of experience has given her a strong understanding of the different pressures, priorities and opportunities facing governing boards.
Recognising the need for dedicated, knowledgeable support, Liz established her own Independent Review Panel service before bringing it into Governance Connected. She has extensive specialist knowledge of Independent Review Panels and the relevant Department for Education guidance, helping clients approach complex matters with clarity, care and confidence.
Liz joined Governance Connected in 2020 and went on to complete the Level 4 Certificate of Academy Governance. After holding a managerial role for three years, she became owner of the business on 1 April 2026. Her approach combines high standards with a warm, practical focus on what will genuinely help each client.
Outside work, Liz enjoys walking, swimming and spending time with friends and family.
A nationwide team, connected by governance
Our team of around 35 governance professionals brings a wide range of specialisms and first-hand insight into the practical realities facing governing boards today. With Level 3 and Level 4 qualified colleagues across the country, we combine trusted technical knowledge with responsive, grounded support.