SCIS Governors' Conference 2026

Event Date

October 8, 2026

Event Cost

£140

Registration & refreshments from 10:00 am

Event Time

10:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Location

V&A Dundee

1 Riverside Esplanade
Dundee
DD1 4EZ

Book Event

Cancellation and refund policy

Cancellations must be advised by email 5 working days prior to the event.
A refund will not be granted if a registrant fails to attend or cancels within 5 working days prior to the event.
We welcome substitute delegates attending in your place at no additional cost.
Cancellations for residential courses must be advised 6 weeks prior to the event.

Event Description

All SCIS Governors, Heads and senior leaders are warmly welcomed to the SCIS Governors Conference 2026.

This valuable event brings together governors from across the independent school sector at arguably the most important time in its history. The size and shape of the sector is changing, and successful schools are those which are well informed and focussed on the future.

The programme will include:

A sector update from the SCIS CEO Lorraine Davidson, including current trends, pupil numbers and developments across independent schools, followed by a Q&A session.
A session led by Helen Kidd, Head of Charities and the Third Sector at Lindsays, will guide trustees on how to evidence compliance with the charity test, discuss the benefits of charitable status, and give advice on the operational versus the strategic roles in schools.
An update from Catherine Dyer, Chair of SCIS, reflecting on her experience as the former Crown Agent, running one of the biggest government departments in Scotland and the lessons our sector can learn from other sectors.
Backing the Head- Support as good governance, This session will examine: whether the appointment and induction gave the Head a proper start, what backing your Head actually looks like when a difficult call lands, the warning signs of a leader under sustained strain, why confidential support from outside the school matters, given that it is the board that holds the Head's contract. How strong the leadership layer below the Head is, and whether the school is carrying too much key person risk at the top, whether the board itself has the right balance of skills for the decisions now coming and examine how governors can effectively support and challenge Headteachers. Support and accountability are not opposites. This session looks at how boards can do both well. Led by Johanna Urquhart, who spent 12 years as CEO and Principal of two independent schools, in Scotland and internationally, and who now works confidentially with CEOs, Heads and Senior Leaders across the sector.
An HMIE and safeguarding session, led by Sarah Sinclair, featuring detailed guidance for Governors to support them to carry out their duties under the new inspection framework.
Insight from Aspen People on current recruitment trends, leadership appointments and workforce challenges facing the education sector.
Opportunities to connect with fellow governors and sector colleagues over lunch

Lead Delegate

First Name

Last Name

Job Title

Dietary Requirements

School

School Type

Professional Learning Co-ordinator

Professional Learning Co-ordinator's Email

Organisation/School Name (for non SCIS Member School)

Purchase Order (if required)

Other Information

Additional email confirmation (if required)

Once submitted a confirmation email will be sent to your email address. If you do not receive a confirmation please email info@scis.org.uk

Please be aware that the we will be taking photographs and potentially filming at this event. By booking and attending this event, you consent to SCIS using your photograph and other media such as film and quotations, on the SCIS website or in promotional material, for which it may be suitable. This consent is valid indefinitely until revoked in writing by sending an email to info@scis.org.uk. Revocation of consent will not affect any actions taken prior to the revocation. SCIS will only use the photographs in accordance with the purposes stated above and will not sell or distribute the photographs to third parties without your express consent. For questions or concerns regarding the use of photographs or to revoke consent, please contact: email info@scis.org.uk.

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