Effective questioning and challenge

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.

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.

• 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).

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.

• 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.