Schools need Governors - people like you!

All over the country, school governors - people like you - are helping staff and head teachers ensure the next generation gets the best from school. Schools are changing - and so are governing bodies. The Government is committed to raising educational standards in the classroom, and to increasing the role of parents and the local community. Volunteers are needed to help our children reach their full potential.

Apply to be a Governor Today!

Schools are keen to attract people in the community who can bring energy, experience and fresh ideas. Those who would make very good governors may be put off because they think you need to be an expert. Not so - interest, enthusiasm and commitment are much more important.

Governors bring a range of experience and interests from many walks of life. They need to work closely with others to make good decisions - and make sure their decisions are followed up. It helps to be a good listener - you will stand a much better chance of understanding how the school "ticks".

You certainly don't need to be a parent to be a good governor. Retired people and those involved in the local business community have much to offer. If you've never thought of putting yourself forward, but believe schools should give children the best start, ask yourself the following questions;

• Do you want to put something back into your local community?
• Are you interested in people?
• Are you prepared to work as part of a team?
• Do you have time to get to know your school, to go to meetings and read papers?
• Are you comfortable asking questions?
• Are you open to new ideas and ready to learn?
• Do you want children to get the best from school?

If you can answer 'Yes' and live in the local area, then you could well have what it takes to be a school governor, and help make a difference to our children's future.

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What do Governors do?

Governors work as a team. They are responsible for making sure the school provides a good quality education. Raising educational standards in school is now a key priority. This has the best chance of happening when there are high expectations of what pupils can achieve.

Governors also promote effective ways of teaching and learning when setting the school aims and policies. They do this together with the head, who is responsible for day-to-day management of the school. Head Teachers are chosen by governors and most heads are governors themselves.

Every school has a governing body. It will include:-

• parents elected by other parents at the school
• staff elected by their colleagues and the head teacher
• local authority governors
• community governors co-opted by other members of the governing body.

They may also include representatives from the local authority, church, charitable trust or business interests. Special schools may have health authority or voluntary organisation representatives. Governing bodies are responsible to parents, funders, the community and OFSTED. Numbers vary depending on the school's type or size. Appointments are for four years.

The governing body's main role is to help raise standards of achievement. It:-

• is accountable for the performance of the school to parents and the wider community
• plans the schools future direction
• selects the head teacher
• makes decisions on the school's budget and staffing
• makes sure the National Curriculum is taught
• decides how the school can encourage pupils' spiritual, moral, emotional and cultural development
• makes sure the school provides for all its pupils, including those with special needs

Governors are at the heart of how a school operates. It's important they get things right. How they do their job affects the interests of pupils, staff morale and how the school is seen by parents and others in the community. Governors act as 'critical friends' by gathering views, asking questions and deciding what's best for the school. They are not there to rubber stamp decisions.

They have to be prepared to give and take and be loyal to decisions taken by the governing body as a whole. So long as they act within the law governors are protected from any financial liability for the decisions they take.

A governing body is not a supporters club. Governors are responsible for how the school is performing. Following up inspection reports is an important job. Governors should try to be ahead of the game - identifying problems and tackling them in advance.

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Governors have to put the time in

It's no use thinking about being a governor if you can't turn up to meetings or make time to read papers. It needn't be daunting - but you've got to have some time to set aside. The amount of time varies - but governing bodies are not looking for passengers who want the status without putting in the work.

The time you devote can vary widely, depending on how involved you become and what needs doing. Being a governor involves more than just taking an interest, though this is a crucial part of the job.

The governing body usually meets at least once a term. You would probably also sit on one or two committees dealing with

• Finance
• Staffing
• Curriculum
• Premises

A governor can also have responsibility for working alongside staff on how numeracy or literacy can be improved. One governor also oversees measures designed to make sure children with special needs are being properly catered for.

Sometimes governors have to make difficult decisions about individual pupils or members of staff. At times it can be hard work - but governors are never expected to work without help and support from others, inside the school and out. Governor training, advice and support is available from the Governor Services Team.

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Being a Governor can be very rewarding

Governors can get a great deal from the work and time they put in. It gives them a chance to

• make a difference to how well the school runs
• see how their efforts help raise standards
• do something positive for the next generation
• serve the local community and
• help realise their own potential by learning new skills

Schools are part of the community they serve - and can provide a focal point for improving life chances for adults too.

Everyone has something to offer their local school. But governors find that they gain a lot too. From meeting new people to gaining new skills. And most importantly the knowledge that you are helping to improve educational standards for youngsters in your area.

Many employers encourage staff to become school governors. They realise that the skills gained from being a governor are transferable to the workplace.

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Interested ?

If you think you or someone you know might have some of the qualities that are needed then,

• talk to someone who is a governor
• contact the head or chairman of governors at your local school or
• contact Governor Services

Alternatively, if you are ready to apply for appointment now, you can do so by clicking here!