The South West Association of Governance Advisory Services (SWAGAS) covers a large geographical region, which includes rural, coastal, urban and village communities. The membership is diverse, including local authorities, diocesan governance leads, multi-academy trust governance professionals and independent providers of governance services. The group is very collaborative and active, the wealth of knowledge, experience and skill within the group – and the generosity with which it is shared – is a real benefit of membership.
The criteria for membership of the group is that the organisation or individual must be actively involved in:
- Delivery of advice and support including interpretation and supporting of implementation of government and/or diocesan initiatives
- The development and production of guidance and resources relating to governance
- The initiation and co-ordination of training and development to support effective governance.
The group meets at least termly, with a mixture of online, hybrid and in person meetings. Meetings feature an opportunity for members to suggest discussion topics for the group and for CPD sessions. Between meetings the group uses GovernorHub to ask questions and seek advice from each other – which can be a real lifeline at times!
“SWAGAS provides an invaluable network of professional support, collaboration and shared expertise. As governance advisors and professionals, we often work in very small teams or alone, and the opportunity to connect with colleagues facing similar challenges is incredibly beneficial. The group’s regular meetings, discussions and professional development opportunities help keep us informed of emerging issues, strengthen our practice, and provide a trusted forum for sharing ideas and solutions. I always come away with practical insights that enhance the support we provide to schools, governors and trustees.” – Sarah Carter, Regional Member
“I became a member of SWAGAS when I started in governance support just over 10 years ago and it has been a tremendous help to me in my role. I so often receive quick responses to my queries, that would otherwise require a lot of research, saving me valuable time and enabling me in turn, to provide a good service to my governing bodies. I’m very pleased to be a part of it! Being part of SWAGAS is absolutely invaluable. I have lost count of the number of times that I have reached out to the group to seek some advice or reassurance, and the response is always so helpful and supportive. I know that I wouldn’t be able to support our governing boards in the way that we do, without the help from colleagues within the group.” – Bill, Regional Member (Clifton Diocese)
“SWAGAS provides an invaluable opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across the region, share effective practice and stay informed about national and local developments in school governance. The support, expertise and willingness of members to share ideas and solutions is greatly appreciated and has helped me develop my own knowledge and confidence as a governance professional.” – Vicky, Regional Member (Wiltshire)
“Being part of SWAGAS is absolutely invaluable. I have lost count of the number of times that I have reached out to the group to seek some advice or reassurance, and the response is always so helpful and supportive. I know that I wouldn’t be able to support our governing boards in the way that we do, without the help from colleagues within the group.” – Nicky, Regional Member (Dorset)
Membership of our region
Clifton Diocese, Oxfordshire CC, Somerset and North Somerset CC, Gloucestershire CC, Diocese of Exeter, Dorset CC, Gloucester Diocese, Diocese of Bristol, Diocese of Bath and Wells, Bristol City Council, Devon Education Services, Devon CC, Wiltshire CC, Diocese of Truro, Swindon Borough Council, Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust, South Gloucestershire Council, Oxfordshire CC, Magda Learning Partnership.
Our elected members
Our chair is Fiona Collier, Devon Education Services, Fiona is ably supported by Vicky Christophers, the vice-chair, from Wiltshire County Council.
Contact us
For further information about the South-West regional group or to enquire about becoming a member, please contact our Chair, Fiona Collier, using the link below.