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Why be a school governor? |
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Who are School Governors?
Governing bodies comprise various types of governor. The governing body can include:
Parents elected by other parents at the school
Staff elected by their colleagues
Local Authority governors appointed by the Authority
Foundation governors (church schools only) appointed by the Diocese
Community governors appointed by the governing body
In addition, the governing body may also appoint one or two sponsor governors
What is the role of a School Governors?
The main role of the governing body is to help raise the standards and performance of the school by supporting the work of the headteacher and the staff. Governors will support and, at the same time, challenge headteachers by gathering views, asking questions and deciding what is best for the school. Governors make important decisions on policies and strategies and have to stand by their decisions. The governing body is answerable to parents and the wider community. Governors are required to play an active part in the decision making process of the school, getting involved in real issues.
Some of the things School Governors can expect to be involved in include:
- with the headteacher, and their staff, plan the future of the school
- make staff appointments for the leadership group, including selection of the headteacher and deputy headteacher
- set standards for staff and pupil behaviour, and support the headteacher, taking disciplinary action where necessary
- make decisions on the school's budget, expenditure and staffing
- contribute to how the school can encourage pupils' spiritual, moral and cultural development
- make sure the school provides for all its pupils, including those with special needs
What will I gain as a School Governor?
The opportunity to make a real difference and the chance to contribute to the good of the community, leading to real satisfaction and a sense of achievement
The opportunity to work as part of a team. Working as a school governor will give the opportunity to work with a wide variety of people from a variety of social, cultural and religious backgrounds
The opportunity to develop new skills and to strengthen existing ones
The opportunity to gain an understanding of the decision making process of school governing bodies and an awareness of the education system as a whole
The opportunity to undertake training provided by the Local Authority on various aspects of the governor role.
What skills do I need to undertake the role of School Governor?
Governors come from different backgrounds, reflecting the many interest groups involved in our schools, but they have one thing in common: they are dedicated to ensuring that the children in their school have the best education possible.
There are no pre-requisite skills to becoming a governor; the ability to work as part of a team, a readiness to accept responsibility and the confidence to ask questions, listen and learn all form part of the role. There are a range of skills that members of the governing body may be able to bring with them from their experiences at home and in work such as financial planning and personnel issues, which will enhance the effectiveness of the governing body.
As a School Governor how will I be involved and how long will it take?
There are no hard or fast rules on how much time will be involved. All schools are different and have individual needs. There is a requirement to hold at least three governing body meetings each academic year where attendance is expected. These meetings are held at various times during the day, although the majority are held at the end of a school day or early evening. The meetings normally last two-three hours.
There is a need for governors to prepare for these meetings, including pre-reading of material circulated prior to every meeting, and also keeping up-to-date on related issues.
Each governing body is supported by a number of committees, which look at specific elements of running the school, and will usually include the following:
- Pupil progress
- Finance
- Staffing
- Premises
Involvement in at least one of these committees would add even greater value to the school and your role as a governor.
There are times when governors may need to get involved in governor duties during normal working hours, such as when difficult decisions on staff or pupils have to be made or a new headteacher appointed. Those governors who are employed within businesses, will find many employers will support their staff by letting them have time off to work on governor duties.
The normal term of office for governors is four years, although governors can be reappointed for further terms if they so wish.
How to become a School Governor?
If you are interested in becoming a governor and have what it takes to make a difference, then getting involved and finding out more is easy:
- talk to someone who is a governor
- contact the head or chair of governors at your local school
- contact the School and Governor Support Team at the following address:
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
Children, Education & Social Care
School and Governor Support
The Education Centre
Junction Road
Norton, Stockton-on-Tees TS20 1PR
alternatively, you can find out more information on the following websites:
Stockton-on-Tees Education, Leisure and Cultural Services - Teaching Resources and Information Network www.train.stockton.gov.uk/governors
Department of Education and Skills
www.dfes.gov.uk
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