Could you be a school governor?

There are 250,000 school governors in England, who help to deliver improved outcomes for young people. Despite the huge number of volunteers, schools still need more skilled volunteers to fill the 18,000 vacancies around the country.  To be a school governor or trustee is an excellent opportunity for personal development and a great way to support children and young people in your local community.

The skills you gain by volunteering to be a school governor or trustee have direct relevance to employers. Volunteers can develop many professional and personal skills.  These include: strategic leadership, project management, budget control, data analysis, recruitment, building relationships and networks, effective teamworking, communication, problem solving, influencing and negotiation.

School governing boards need people from different backgrounds with a wide range of professional and personal skills to drive school improvement. There are no particular qualifications required and anyone over 18 years of age can become a governor or trustee provided they have a willingness to learn, have time to give to the role and a capacity to work with people.

The governing board plays a critical role in a school’s success and the success of its students. School governors and trustees are responsible for providing clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction. They recruit headteachers and hold them to account for the performance of the school and its pupils. And they make sure public money is well spent. 

As a school governor or trustee, you will be expected to attend meetings, participate in one of the committees that support the governing board and do the necessary preparatory reading. The time commitment is expected to be 5 to 8 hours per month depending on the type of school and any additional responsibilities you want to take on. All appointments are subject to an enhanced criminal record check.

It all starts with a simple online form at www.inspiringgovernance.org. You’ll tell us about your skills and experience and what type of school you’d like to join. You’ll then join a pool of volunteers in your local area. Governing boards are now able to contact you, and you can find opportunities at local schools. Next, a school may send you a message, and set up a call to discuss your mutual expectations. If you agree to go ahead you’ll be invited to an interview.

School governing boards work like boards in the third sector. Once you’re matched to a suitable vacancy you will be invited for interview with the chair of the governing board. You can arrange everything, including the time and place, through the Inspiring Governance platform. The interview will check that you’re clear about the role and responsibilities and that your skills and experience match with what the board is looking for. It will also help to clarify whether you feel the school and board are a good fit for you

If you’re suitable for the role you’ll be offered a place on the governing board. If you choose to accept the role your term as a school governor or trustee will begin.

Of course, not every opportunity is the right one, so you’ll continue to be contacted by schools until you tell us you’ve found a match. 

If you’re recruited, great! New governors and trustees will be able to access a range of support from the National Governance Association (NGA). This includes l a dedicated telephone and email support line to walk you through your first year, a complimentary copy of NGA’s Welcome to Governance induction guide, access to NGA’s online guidance centre containing a wealth of governance resources and access to 10 free e-learning induction modules with the NGA’s Learning Link.

You can register at www.inspiringgovernance.org or for more information, get in touch with Claire Leman, Regional Manager, [email protected]