In search of great school governance

For many the autumn term means the annual round of performance management with meetings, targets and sometimes a rather jaded outlook on the whole process.  But what if it could be different? - what if it could engage, inspire and lead to real improvement in the performance of the individual and the school as a whole? In a previous post I talked about the inspiration of Tom Rees' book Wholesome Leadership well this initiative is all about tending our soil and giving our staff the opportunity to grow and flourish.(1)  These questions arose as we began our work as a pathfinder school for The Ethical Leadership Project.  Our school values are 'the fruits of the spirit' (2) and suggest growth and nurturing and the Ethical Leadership values are well aligned with this.  In the workplace I have found myself on both sides of the appraisal process many, many times to both good and bad effect.  I have long reflected on the process, it's always been a bit of a 'thing' w