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Effective questioning and challenge

18 November 2025

9:30 - 13:00

Online

  • Governance

Overview

Empower your governors to challenge with confidence

Effective challenge is a core part of the governor’s statutory duty, and it starts with asking the right questions. This course helps your governors build the confidence and skills they need to hold non-executive directors to account for board performance.

With a focus on listening techniques, questioning styles and self-reflection, participants will explore how to frame purposeful, constructive questions that support better oversight and strengthen the impact of your council of governors.

Key takeaways
  1. Understand the value of questioning, listening and challenge in their role.
  2. Develop confidence to hold non-executive directors to account effectively.
  3. Explore different questioning styles and reflect on their own approach.
  4. Learn how to frame clear, constructive questions that support better scrutiny.
  5. Share insights and experiences with governors from other trusts.

 

Why this matters

A governor’s ability to question and challenge constructively is central to effective assurance. But this isn’t always easy — it takes skill, clarity and confidence. By investing in your governors’ development, you’re strengthening the accountability of your board and supporting more informed conversations.

I continue to be very impressed by the standards of the courses you provide.

James Hamilton-Andrews Service User Governor, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

What we'll cover

  • The governance of foundation trusts and the statutory duties of governors.
  • The importance of questioning, listening and challenging as a governor.
  • Opportunities for self-reflection on personal approach and behaviours.
  • Interactive exercises to practise asking effective, holding-to-account questions.
  • Approaches to holding non-executive directors to account through clear and confident questioning.
  • Networking with governors from other trusts.

The course runs from 9.30am to 1pm (subject to change).

Trainers

Jacqui Marshall

Jacqui Marshall

Associate - Board Development Programme

NHS Providers

Peter Howie

Peter Howie

Associate - Board Development Programme

NHS Providers

Peter Howie

Peter Howie

Associate - Board Development Programme

NHS Providers

Peter Howie has 42 years of NHS experience, including 15 years as trust secretary. He is a former chair of NHS Providers' Company Secretaries Network and has provided governance support through secondments to other NHS trusts. A registered nurse with a master's degree in health policy and organisation, Peter now works as an associate with NHS Providers and as a governance consultant for NHS trusts. Peter has delivered training across the public and charitable sectors, in a wide range of leadership, clinical and governance subjects over the past 40 years, and contributes to local charitable work as a Rotarian.

Pricing

Open to NHS Providers members and non-members.

Member: £138 (ex VAT) | £165.60 (incl. VAT)
Non Member: £207 (ex VAT) | £248.40 (incl. VAT)

You will need to provide a purchase order number at booking to confirm your place on this course. Card payments are also accepted. 

Follow the ‘Book now’ link at the top of this page to book your place. You will need to create an account if you have not already done so.

Really enjoyed the course and took a lot away from it. Massive thanks to the trainers and administrators for the good content and a very well run course.

Previous delegate

Who should attend

  • All types of governors.

Please note, if you are a governor that is interested in booking on to one of our training courses, please enquire through your trust contact.

Bring this training to your trust

Delivered in-house and tailored to your council — supporting consistent understanding of the governor role and more effective contribution to trust priorities

Enquire now
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