School Governor

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Become a school governor and use your skills to help improve education for children. You'll have the opportunity to influence strategy and decisions that can make a positive impact on children's lives. 

Thousands of primary and secondary schools across England have governor vacancies. The governing board plans the strategic direction of a school, making decisions around budgets, the curriculum, and staffing structures. Sitting on a governing board gives you the chance to experience board-level decision making and leadership at any point in your career. 

The usual term of office for a school governor is 4 years.

Governors should be committed to their role and willing to visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos. 

You must be able to work as part of team, have a commitment to 'collective responsibility' and an ability to think strategically.

You don't need to be a parent or have experience working in education to be a governor. 

Skills

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues.

School governors are often involved in the following areas:

• Monitoring and evaluating the school's progress
• Budgetary allocation and control
• Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
• Setting the school's aims and values
• Appointing senior members of staff including the headteacher
• Headteacher performance reviews

The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, parents, the local authority and the local community.

Governors perform the most important voluntary role in education. A full and diverse governing body can be a source of enormous strength to a school.

Governors provide an external perspective and an ability to challenge assumptions and look for the best solutions. They bring enthusiasm, experience and expertise from other areas of life. Working together, a well-balanced group of people can effectively support and challenge the headteacher and set the strategic direction to drive the school forward.

Volunteering as a governor is a great way to contribute to your local community, meet new people, and improve the lives of local children. You'll develop transferable skills and learn more about the education system whilst putting existing skills and experience to good use. Full training is available. 

Governors for Schools provides free e-Learning modules and monthly webinars for new governors to make sure you're effective from your first day in the role. Eligible governors will receive a 6 month free trial from The Key for School Governors. 

Details

When do I need to be available?

Start Date: 10/03/2021

End Date: 10/03/2022

Availability Details

Flexible to suit, will need to attend meetings