School Governor at Governors for Schools

What does the opportunity involve doing?

What will you be doing?
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

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

What induction, training and support is offered?

We provide free online training to all of our volunteers including webinars which you may also find useful.
Our eLearning includes 'An Introduction to School Governance' which provides a comprehensive introduction to the school governor role. It looks at the core responsibilities of governors and some of the key activities that they carry out. It includes sections on how governors can make a positive impact, learn more about their school, and prepare for their first meeting. This eLearning is aimed at governors in the English state school system; governors in all jurisdictions may find elements helpful. as well as 'Finance for new governors' which covers the key principles of the schools financial framework, including the funding system and accountability framework. It also focuses on the key principles of effective financial management, including the development of a financial strategy, budget monitoring, internal controls and value for money. This eLearning refers to duties placed on governors in the English state school system; governors in all jurisdictions may find elements helpful.

We also give all newly placed governors a years free access to the Key which is full of resources and other training opportunities.

What skills or qualities are needed?

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.