Why become a School Governor?
If your New Year's resolution is to give back, learn new skills, or use existing ones, becoming a school governor could be for you. As well as playing an important role in education, it has its own rewards.
As Kat Cole, governor at Castle Primary School, says:
“It's given me newfound confidence in using some skills that have been dormant while I have focused on raising my family.”
Kat began volunteering at the Keynsham school as a Community Governor. Community Governors are closely connected to a school, living or working nearby. Parent Governors have a child/children attending the school.
Sophie Dyer, Chair of Governors at Weston All Saints Primary School (WASPS) in Bath explains more about the role:
“The Governing Board’s role is strategic, not operational. We do not get involved in the day to day running of the school but are there to support the Head Teacher and senior leadership team, and challenge them when appropriate.”
Sophie’s volunteering began with the PTA. Now a community governor and Chair, she plays an important part even after her children left the school.
She says:
“I feel that I am giving something back to my community, making a valuable contribution to the school and on a personal level, learning a great deal in the process.”
Melinda Baker has been a governor for 20 years and is currently a community governor at The Mendip School, a Special School in Somerset.
Melinda likens the role of a governor as being “a critical friend”. She explains her role further:
“Regular focused visits can be very rewarding - they provide an opportunity to 'get under the skin' of a school and understand a school’s needs and challenges … and, just as important, ensure their successes are celebrated.”
Guy Martin-Scott is a Foundation Governor at Farmborough Church Primary School. Church schools also appoint two Foundation Governors.
Guy became a governor through the village church:
“They were looking for a foundation governor and, as someone who cares about supporting the local community and especially young people, I thought this was a great opportunity to serve.”
For him the rewards are:
“… knowing that, in our own little way, we're making a difference to improve the school and the lives of the families who attend it.”
All the governors benefit from support and regular training, both from within the school and the wider Multi Academy Trust team at The Partnership Trust.
Kat says:
“I am so grateful that the school has such a supportive Head and leadership team. The Partnership Trust provides an exemplary level of training and support through meetings that enable you to build a network with other Chairs and Governors.”
Being a governor at a church school, Sophie says:
“As we are a church school, the Diocese also provides the same service.”
Melinda stresses the mutual support from other governors , sharing the goal to “ensure the best outcomes for all pupils - not only academic but also life skills which of course are so important.”
Sophie appreciates the assistance of school staff and the pupils, who ultimately inspire their commitment.
“.. the school staff are a great help during our visits demonstrating their teaching etc … and the children are always happy to talk to us about their work and school life.”
Find out more:
If you are interested in volunteering as a governor at your local school contact them direct, or see their website for any vacancies.
National Governance Association has some useful information on their website www.nga.org.uk
Governors for Schools is also a good resource, particularly governorsforschools.org.uk/become-a-school-governor
What tips would the governors give to anyone considering taking on this role:
Kat: “It takes a year to really wrap your head around everything, so give yourself the time to learn and absorb how the board and school work.”
Melinda: “Understand the school’s demographics and its challenges and above all listen, support and try and make a difference.”
Guy: “Talk to some existing governors, it will make the whole thing seem at lot less scary and a lot more exciting!”
Sophie: “I’d say ‘go for it!’ It is very rewarding, and you’ll gain a whole new level of respect for teachers and school staff, and what goes into running a school. There is a shortage of Governors so we really need you!”