The National Governance Association (NGA) recently unveiled its manifesto of what we believe should be the key priorities focused on in advance of the impending general election.

With over 250,000 dedicated volunteers governing our schools and academy trusts, trustees and governors present a unique voice and perspective on the areas that any incoming government simply cannot afford to disregard.

So, what are the big issues that governors want to see addressed?

Recruitment and retention

Perhaps top of the list is an impending staffing crisis, already a harsh reality for many, that is casting a sombre cloud over the educational landscape.

As employers, boards are vocal about the challenges they are grappling with, such as unfavourable working conditions and the inability to offer new incentives to staff and this is making the recruitment and retention of qualified teaching professionals a formidable task.

Boards also highlight the vast array of other staff, including teaching assistants, administrators and caretakers, who are now finding alternative employment offering less responsibility and higher pay.

The repercussions of this crisis are beginning to reverberate throughout the governance landscape - and without the right support staff in place, the quality of education will inevitably suffer.

While recent pay increases for teaching staff are fundamentally a step in the right direction, the current imperative lies in a long-term plan that incorporates financial incentives, robust professional development opportunities and enhanced benefits.

School buildings

The deplorable state of many school buildings and the pressing issue of environmental sustainability must be at the top of any future government’s agenda, too.

Boards are confronted with ongoing decisions concerning the presence of asbestos and lead in ageing school structures, some of which are, in certain instances, literally falling apart.

No board wants to cut education services to prioritise basic learning conditions but, sadly, that will happen if the next government doesn’t act.

Furthermore, our schools contribute significantly to the public sector’s emissions, making it essential to improve energy efficiency, but boards and leaders need help in getting there.

To this end, leadership support and funding with timelines aligned with the climate emergency’s urgency are essential to progress in renewable energy adoption and prepare students to confront the environmental challenges they inherit.

Edtech equality

In an era progressively shaped by technology, the unequal availability of edtech stands as a significant cause for concern, too.

If not managed smartly, artificial intelligence has the capacity to exacerbate educational inequalities, especially among students in low-income and rural areas with limited access to technology.

This is why we are calling for educational funding to be distributed in a way that ensures disadvantaged schools receive their fair share.

Supporting families

Growing concerns over attendance and safeguarding illustrate the immense adversity that many pupils face today - NGA’s survey data demonstrated a huge increase in concerns in both these areas, to the point that they dominate large proportions of board times.

Cuts to early intervention services have left a void that schools are now expected to fill, stretching their resources and capacity.

To address this, we need the government to help ensure that schools are equipped to engage effectively and quickly with families and wider communities, and that local authorities receive the funding necessary to perform their statutory safeguarding duties.

SEND and special schools

It is impossible to overstate the urgency of reform in high-needs funding and a comprehensive audit of special school places.

Support for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is chronically underfunded and is far from meeting the actual needs of these students. Broadening eligibility for free school meals and preserving the pupil premium programme would help combat the growing inequality in our educational system.

The disadvantage gap continues to widen, necessitating additional support for vulnerable groups.

Funding the future

Our funding ask is quite simple - funding must be reviewed to ensure that as well as all schools receiving sufficient funding to sustain high-quality education, they can also meet the additional needs of vulnerable groups.

Our children are the future, and they deserve nothing less than the best education in safe, nurturing environments.

To make this a reality, it is incumbent upon the next government to listen to the NGA and address critical issues identified by our dedicated volunteer force.

Furthermore, they must take that role seriously and invest in it. Board recruitment is more of a challenge than ever before; investing in a volunteer recruitment campaign is now a necessity.

We believe this voice must provide a key role in the blueprint for the creation of a high-quality, equitable education system that benefits all young people and fortifies our communities.

Emma Balchin is joint CEO of the NGA

Emma Balchin will be a panel member at this year’s Schools & Academies Show Birmingham alongside Tes editor, Jon Severs. For more information on the event or to register, visit: schoolsandacademiesshow.co.uk