Ever felt as though you’d like to contribute to your local community in positive way? Have you toyed with the idea of volunteering, but felt uninspired by the options? Are you interested in education and supporting children, but not sure how you can really help?
A school governance role could be perfect for you.
A volunteer school governor can have a hugely positive impact on the lives of young people in their area, yet many don’t think they are qualified or a good fit for the role.
Here’s what you need to know about becoming a school governor:
Did you know you don’t have to be parent or carer from the school? It’s a common misconception that to be a school governor you need to have a child attending the school. It’s true that many parents choose to take on governance roles, but it is by no means necessary for you to have a child at the school, or to even be a parent at all. Being a school governor is about positively contributing to and supporting your school community, making it a role available to anyone.
Don’t be worried about having the right qualifications. There are no qualifications required! Schools need governors that have a had a wide variety of life and professional experience, rather than specific degrees or qualifications. When you join a governance team, you will share your areas of strength as part of a ‘skills matrix’. Some governors may have plenty of financial experience, others may be more knowledgeable about safeguarding, understanding data, or premises issues. There is a wide array of skills that are desirable on a governance team, but ultimately your local school needs someone who cares about its children, staff and future.
When it comes to governance, age is just a number. You do not need to be a retiree to work on a school governing body. Many retirees do find school governance to be an ideal voluntary role to suit their lifestyle, but governance teams certainly benefit when they have a diverse range of ages. As long as you are aged 18 or over, you are able to become a school governor. Young professionals are in high demand as they can bring their unique perspective and experience to the role. Applications are reviewed on skills, character, and time to contribute – not age.
Forget long, boring meetings in a chilly school hall. Governance teams now operate in a way that is flexible and dynamic. In the past, applicants may have been put off by the idea of travelling to their local school and sitting in long meetings. Governors now take advantage of virtual meetings and will adapt their meeting schedules to ensure they are accessible to everyone, so there’s no need to worry if you have a full-time job or childcare responsibilities. A governance role usually requires around 5-10 hours of voluntary work per month, meaning you won’t be snowed under with additional work.
You’ll be given the necessary training for free. You don’t need to have experience or an understanding of the education system beforehand. To start, there is an induction programme to help new school governors understand their role. From there, you are able attend training on a wide variety of education topics that interest you. School budgets, curriculum, Ofsted inspection, human resources – there’s a lot to learn and it’s all accessible for free. If you want to learn even more, free online training sessions can be accessed throughout the year.
School governance can progress your career. Being on a governance team is an impressive addition to any CV. It shows that you are driven, supportive and that you have invaluable experience of being on a board – a skill that can be incredibly beneficial. The other governors will also be knowledgeable people from all walks of life, giving you a great opportunity to learn from other like-minded individuals. There is even professional progression within governance itself. Many enjoy the opportunity so much that they continue to take up governance roles at other local schools throughout their career.
A governance team is a community of people who care. If you have a passion for education and improving outcomes for children, then becoming a school governor could be a perfect fit for you. The role will give you an increased understanding of the challenges young people face today and your actions on a governance team could lead to impactful changes. It is incredibly rewarding and important work that could make all the difference to your local school and community. So, why not apply?
The Vine Schools Trust currently has several governance vacancies across its network. If you would like to apply, please contact Tosca.Boothman@dcvst.org.
JOHN 15:5
© The Diocese of Chelmsford Vine Schools Trust 2020 a company limited by guarantee and registered in England. No 8709542.
Registered address: The Diocese of Chelmsford Vine Schools Trust, Diocesan Offices, 53, New Street, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1AT.
Student Council at St Osyth C of E Primary School Meets with Clacton MP