If the answer is ‘Yes’, then consider becoming a governor with Abbey Multi Academy Trust.
The role of school governor is hugely rewarding. It will give you the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of children and young people, develop your skills and knowledge in an engaging environment and support the local community. You will also be joining the largest volunteer force in the country – there are over a quarter of a million volunteers governing state funded schools in England.
For a school to operate successfully, it requires a governing board with a balance and diversity of knowledge, skills and experience. Ofsted acknowledges that the most effective schools demonstrate high standards of leadership and management – including that of the governing board.
Anyone aged over 18 can be a governor and you do not need to be a parent. There is no requirement for you to have a formal understanding of the education system, just an enquiring mind, the ability to work as part of a team and the time to contribute and attend the half termly meetings.
A range of professional knowledge and experience should be represented a school’s governing board including education, finance, human resources, legal, marketing and public relations, estates management, health and safety and organisational change.
“Being a school governor is a great way to connect with young people and be part of a community. It is a privilege to be able to contribute towards improving the life chances of students and to also enable staff to thrive. The role is creative and very varied - one week you can be watching a school nativity and the next be on an interviewing panel for a Deputy Headteacher!”
- Honor Byford
Co-chair of Governors, Bishop Young CofE Academy and Trust-appointed Governor, St Chad’s CofE Primary Academy
School governors support the trust board by focusing on school-specific needs and ensuring community engagement and accountability. The local governing board has three key functions:
The average time commitment is five hours per month, although this will vary depending on the needs of the school and the specific governor role.
This includes attendance at six local governing board meetings (one each half term), background reading, training and school visits.
Like magistrates or members of a jury, school governors have aright to reasonable time off work for their public duties, although this may be unpaid. Your company’s HR department will be able to tell you about its policy.
The term of office for governors is four years. However, if your circumstances change, as a volunteer you can resign before your term is finished. Many governors choose to serve multiple terms. The school will offer an introductory meeting with the Chair of Governors and Headteacher. A full induction, training and mentoring will ensure you’re well-prepared for the role.
Remember, governance is a voluntary role and is therefore unpaid, but travel expenses are available.
“Being a governor provides me with an opportunity to support children and young people in the community that I live. It gives me the chance to share my knowledge and use some of my professional experience. I find working with senior leaders, staff, parent/carers and children incredibly rewarding.”
- Sam Low
Chair of Governors Manston St James CofE Primary Academy
