Have you ever wondered what school governors do? 
Across the city there are thousands of members of our community helping to support school leadership teams by volunteering their time and expertise as school governors – but what is it about the role which encourages so many committed volunteers to apply?

Making a difference.
All schools have a Board of Governors, that provides strategic leadership.  It is responsible for driving up standards, ensuring money is well spent and the strategic vision.  Being a school governor is a fantastic opportunity to have an impact on education and positively influence children’s lives.  

Use and develop your skills.
As well as becoming more involved with your community, school governors develop a range of both new and existing skills.  You do not need to be a parent or have worked in education to be a governor, as a wide range of skills are needed on a Board.  These include finance, H.R., buildings, health and safety, legal, complaints, data analysis, project management etc.  Or it could be softer skills like working as a team to come to a vital decision.  Being a governor is an opportunity to develop your skills. A wide range of training is also available from the Local Authority.

Improve your knowledge about the education sector.
As a new school governor, you are not expected to come with a working knowledge of the education sector.  This role will allow you will gain a fascinating insight into how schools work and how the education sector is changing and continues to change. You are guaranteed to gain a further appreciation of the work of teachers and school leaders as well as the type of challenges schools face.

It’s a challenge.
There’s no denying that being a school governor is a challenge, but that’s a good thing – because it’s important.  It may be that you are putting your professional skills to use in a new context or getting to grips with a whole new sector, but most governors find this very rewarding.
The fact that the role is so enjoyable is probably one of the main reasons why there are so many governors giving up their time to help. 

What qualities make an effective governor?
·         a strong commitment to the role and to improving outcomes for children
·         the inquisitiveness to question and analyse
·         the willingness to learn
·         good inter-personal skills
·         appropriate levels of literacy in English (unless a governing body is prepared to make special arrangements)
·         sufficient numeracy skills to understand basic data
·         willingness to attend appropriate training 

What is the time commitment?
The average is 10-15 hours per term; this includes attending meetings, background reading and school visits. Governors are expected to take an interest in the life of the school, to attend some of its events during the academic year and to see something of the school at work.

Being a governor is a public duty and governors have a right to reasonable time off work, although this may be without pay.  You should look at your company’s policy to see what entitlement you have. 

How to find out more

If you would like further information on being a governor email us on: education.governors@leeds.gov.ukor office@greenmountprimary.co.uk with your name, telephone no. and briefly say why you would like to be a governor and what skills and knowledge you have.