Become a school governor
Do you want to make a difference in your community, and develop your own professional skills? By volunteering as a school governor or trustee, you can do both.
School governors are one of the country's largest voluntary groups. In Ealing around 1000 governors contribute to the strategic development and raising standards of achievement in our schools.
You do not need to be a parent or have any particular qualifications to become a governor, enthusiasm, commitment and genuine desire to make a difference are the most important qualities a volunteer can have. Anyone over the age of 18 can be a governor.
What do governors do?
Governors and 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.
- Monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making and act as a source of challenge and support to the headteacher/senior leaders.
The headteacher is responsible for the internal organisation, management and control of the school and the implementation of the strategic framework established by the governing board.
How much time is involved?
You can expect to spend approximately 10 – 20 days a year, depending on the school. For most governors the time will consist of attending between two to four meetings per term. These are usually one or two full governing board meetings per term and any additional committee meetings. In addition, there will be some preparatory reading necessary. There may be periods when the time commitment may increase i.e. appointing a new headteacher.
Governors also support the school by going to school functions such as open evenings, plays and exhibitions. Governors are also encouraged as part of an agreed schedule to visit the school during the day to see it in action, and to get to know the staff and pupils.
Why become a school governor?
The benefits of being a governor are immense and can include:
- Developing your professional skills and experience such as strategic planning
- Chairing, financial planning, and team working, all of which are valued by employers and can assist your own career development
- Building relationships and networks in your locality and
- Supporting children and young people in your community.
Emily Bishop’s school governor story on Around Ealing Extra about why she became a school governor and what the role involves.
I’m interested, what next?
In Ealing we work with Governors for Schools an independent school governor charity that provides free services for volunteers, schools and employers. Together, we host an annual online session on what's involved and how to become a governor at an Ealing school.
You can also apply to become a governor at any time by registering on the Governors for Schools website – just make sure to state you are interested in an Ealing school!
If you have a question, contact Charles at Governors for Schools by email Charles.Westerm@governorsforschools.org.uk
More information is also available at Inspiring governance. This service is supported and funded by the Department for Education. When applying again please state you are interested in an Ealing school.
For more information about becoming a governor at an Ealing schools you can also contact us at governors@ealing.gov.uk
