Why become a School Governor?

A good and effective governing body is vital to our school’s success. But why?

Governors have three roles to fulfil:

• Strategic - setting the general direction of the school and how it is to be developed, making key decisions like appointing the Head Teacher
• Critical Friend - to support the work of the Head Teacher but be willing to question and challenge when the need arises, making a difference in improving standards throughout the school.
• Accountability and the executive role - the governing body is accountable to a variety of 'Stakeholders' in the school, and at times will exercise executive powers.

Who can be a school governor?

Anyone over 18 can be a school governor – you don’t have to be a parent with a child at the school. However, every governing body includes parent governors, and it can be a rewarding way to be involved in your child’s school.

The most important qualities for being a governor are enthusiasm, commitment and an interest in education. You don’t need teaching experience, but it’s useful to bring skills from other areas of your life. We are currently especially looking for people with accounting and financial skills.

Do I have time to be a school governor?

You will be expected to attend between 4 and 6 governors' meetings per year, so one or two per term.

You’ll also be expected to join one of our two sub-committees – Pupil Progress and Resources. You’ll need to be able to work well in a team, as you’ll be making joint decisions on policy. We currently hold Full Governing Board and Pupil Progress meetings around 4pm and Resources on Fridays around 1pm.

A further commitment is to be prepared to do some online training to develop your skills and to be available to carry out one visit in school hours per year. You are of course warmly encouraged to come and join in with the school at events and celebrations, to get to know everyone better.

Demands on your time depend partly on how the school is doing generally. Being a governor will be a busy role if the school’s going through a big change.

As a governor you’ll probably need to work an average of ten hours per term.

What will I get out of being a school governor?

• The knowledge that you have played a part in improving children’s education and supported the school’s staff.
• A chance to develop new skills and to practise existing ones, such as chairing meetings, speaking in groups, asking questions, making suggestions and appointing staff.
• A chance to help other members of the team, perhaps because they are new, are not used to committee work or need help in learning about the school and about school governance.

What makes a good school governor?

• You care about improving children’s educational attainment.
• You want to contribute to the local community.
• You can work as part of a team and value the contributions of other people who may hold alternative views to your own. 
• You accept you might need training.
• You are willing to ask questions.
• You are open to ideas and willing to learn.
• Enthusiasm and commitment.
• Whether you are a parent or not, as a member of the school’s community your local knowledge will be valuable: you will have a feel for what is important to people.

So, is it for you? If you’d like to find out some more or apply to become a Governor get in touch with via the school or email our Clerk to the Governors, Andrew Clement on clerk@crosbyravensworth.cumbria.sch.uk