Becoming a school governor

Being a School Governor is interesting, worthwhile and rewarding. To be truly effective a governing body needs members from all walks of life, and different cultural backgrounds who possess a variety of skills.

Effective Governors give positive support to the excellent work that schools are doing.

'Ordinary' people are needed as Governors. It is not a requirement to have a background in education. You bring a wider perspective, a view from outside the education system. You will have knowledge, skills and experience, which will be of value to a school's governing body.

Governing bodies are a unique form of local democracy in action involving the local community, professional staff and elected members of council.

Teamwork

The governing body is a corporate body. That means that the responsibilities and decisions are all shared. No single Governor can act as an individual or be personally liable.

Meetings

Governing bodies have to meet three times a year.

Most governing bodies have committees dealing with specific subjects, for instance a finance or personnel committee. Governors can get involved in areas that they are interested in. They provide the opportunity, to look at a specific area in more depth. The number of meetings depends on your involvement.

What do I need to have?

Enthusiasm

Schools need ordinary people who are committed and are interested in supporting the work of the school.

Time

• To attend meetings and relevant training
• To carefully read the paper work including previous minutes and the headteacher's report
• Ideally, you should have some time to visit the school and have an opportunity to learn more about what it provides local children

Training and Support

Governor Services, in Trafford, offers Governors a wide range of training sessions and support. Each term Governors can receive a newsletter containing information about changes in legislation and topical issues for Governors. There are forum groups to meet other Governors.