12Power to require governing body to secure advice or collaborate
(1)This section applies if the Welsh Ministers have the power to intervene in the conduct of a maintained school.
(2)The Welsh Ministers may, with a view to improving the performance of the school, direct the governing body of the school to do either or both of the following—
(a)enter into a contract or other arrangement with a specified person (who may be the governing body of another school) for the provision to the governing body of specified services of an advisory nature;
(b)exercise such of the powers under section 5(2) of the Education (Wales) Measure 2011 (powers to collaborate) as are specified in the direction, subject to provision made in regulations under section 6 of that Measure.
(3)Before giving a direction the Welsh Ministers must consult—
(a)the governing body of the school, and
(b)in the case of a foundation or voluntary school—
(i)the person who appoints the foundation governors, and
(ii)if the school has a religious character, the appropriate religious body.
(4)A direction under subsection (2)(a) may require the contract or other arrangement to contain specified terms and conditions.