Schools and learning

Am I the right person to become a governor?

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 education 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. Some governors have chosen to take the opportunity - with the assistance of their colleagues and School Governance - to obtain a qualification based on their work as a governor.

You certainly don't need to be a parent to have the makings of 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 area, then you could well have what it takes to be a school governor, and help make a difference to our children's future.

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. Help with childcare expenses may be available from the governing body.

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.

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.

Previous experience is not necessary as Paul Dunne, a parent governor and father of two found out:

“I went along to a parents’ evening and started asking questions. I had one fired back at me: ‘Why don’t you come and join the governing body?’ We’ve now got a very good team together and are really starting to push things forward. More parents are getting involved and we’ve recruited members from industry. We’re all working to raise standards. And I’m very proud to be part of it.”

Although no formal qualifications are needed to serve as a school governor, certain categories of people (for example those who are bankrupt or who are disqualified from working with children) are disqualified from either becoming or continuing to serve as governors.