School Governor

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

The core responsibilities involved are:

• Ensuring accountability

• Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team

• 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 Head Teacher

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, the parents, the local authority and the local community.  

What difference will you make? Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come.

Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. 

As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.  

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a school governor is a challenging but rewarding role.

As part of the governing board, you’ll:

• Help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community

• Work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network

• Gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work  

Before you apply You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

Our recent survey found volunteers spend an average of around 7 hours a month on governing duties. The term of office for a governor is 4 years. Governors usually attend around 6 meetings a year, most of which are held in the evenings.

Being a school governor is a commitment and a responsibility, but offers you the chance to see first-hand the impact you can make in improving education for children in your community. Will require criminal record check Will require references

Skills

What are we looking for?

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor.

You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school.

But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.