Myth-Busting: School Governor Roles

"I thought you could only be a governor if you were a parent of a child in a school?"

Yesterday morning I received notification that I was successful in in my interview with the Nene Education Trust and was to be appointed as a Governor at Windmill Primary School.

After sharing the news with my mum last night, her first response was the question above.

This got me thinking there must be some myths surrounding governor roles, this became quite prevalent this morning when I received congratulation messages from colleagues and those in my Linkedin network (which I am extremely grateful for - thank you again to everyone for taking the time) How-ever, it wasn't until I received another message from another colleague expressing their missing working with me in the future!

Wait no... I'm not leaving RS Components! 

This high profile role is based on volunteers. Governor/ Trustee's have the opportunity to make a positive impact upon the lives of young people and supporting the educators by giving something back to the heart and soul of our communities - our schools!

It's no secret that schools, teachers and students have been some of the hardest hit by C19. Education systems around the world have been turned on their heads and with each day comes a new headline from the UK government to help get 'education back on track',

Schools will only get 'resume normality' with a strong support system internally. Could you be part of that?

Now is the time that everyone can support one of the 32,700+ schools in the UK. 

Now lets dispel some of those myths (and please add any others you know in the comments)

• You need special qualifications to be a school governor

This is absolutely not the case. Governing boards are looking for people who posses a wide-range of skills be that from financial planning to human resources or team-leadership. No matter your full/part time role - boards are just as interested in your attitude and passion as they are in your skill-set.

•   You have to be a parent to be a governor

Not true! Anyone over the age of 18 can serve as a governor. So long as you’re motivated and committed about improving the lives of young people, and your community, you are the right kind of person to become a governor/trustee

• Being a school governor takes up a lot of time

The average amount of time a person spends on governing is between 5 and 8 hours a month / 15 days a year – during term time and mostly out of office hours. Considering the difference your impact could make, this is not a lot of time at all.

• Governance is old-fashioned

What is old-fashioned about helping shape and promote the ethos and excellence of a school?

You could help make a difference at a local primary or secondary school - what have you got to lose by supporting your community?

Find out more about Governor and Trustee roles and vacancies in your area here: https://www.inspiringgovernance.org/volunteers/ or drop a line to your local school!

See here vacancies at Nene Education Trust: https://neneeducationtrust.org.uk/join-us/govrec