Want to make a difference in your community as a business professional or employee? Volunteer as a school governor to support schools and develop your own skills.
School governors are key to ensuring our schools are developing and preparing young people for the world around them. Schools truly benefit from having colleagues from the world of business join their Governor Bodies.
Not only does the school benefit from the insight colleagues have from the business community, but business employees also learn a lot from the process of being a governor. It can be a challenging and highly rewarding role.
Schools around the country have vacancies for school governors and trustees and you can find out more information and how to apply here.
Role and Responsibilities, as Described by the National Governor Association
What governors and trustees do?
The governing board provides strategic leadership and accountability in schools. It has three key functions:
- Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent
- Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
Governors or trustees set the aims and objectives for the school or group of schools and set the policies and targets for achieving those aims and objectives. They monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making and act as a source of challenge and support to the headteacher.
As a governor or trustee, you will be able to:
- Use your own experience of education and life beyond school to inform conversations
- Develop and utilise your skills in a board-level environment
- Make a valuable contribution to education and your community
- Support and challenge the school so that it improves for pupils and staff
- Bring your unique experiences, perspectives and insights in to decision-making in the interests of the school community
You can read more from the NGA here. The Key for School Governors has also created this handy resource: Everything you need to know to support you in your new role as a governor.
