In the field of gate drivers for switching devices with a gate terminal via which the switching device can be turned on and off, a switching stage (10; 90) comprises first and second input terminals (12, 14) that are connectable in use with corresponding positive and negative terminals (16, 18) of a regulated voltage source (20). The switching stage (10; 80; 90) also includes an output terminal (34) which is connectable in use with a gate terminal (36) of a switching device (28). In addition the switching stage (10; 80; 90) includes a secondary energy storage device (38) that is electrically connected with the first and second input terminals (12, 14) to in use receive and store energy via the regulated voltage source (20). The switching stage (10; 90) in use selectively provides a first switching path (50) between the regulated voltage source (20) and the output terminal (34) to apply a voltage at a first polarity to the gate terminal (36), and a second switching path (52) between the secondary energy storage device (38) and the output terminal (34) to apply a voltage at a second polarity opposite the first polarity to the gate terminal (36).