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- Tasks: As a school governor, you'll make strategic decisions that shape education in your community.
- Company: Governors for Schools empowers volunteers to enhance local education and support schools across England and Wales.
- Benefits: Gain valuable leadership skills, network with professionals, and make a real impact in your community.
- Why this job: This role offers personal growth, exposure to various sectors, and the chance to influence future generations.
- Qualifications: No specific experience needed; just bring your passion and fresh perspective!
- Other info: Volunteers can visit schools and engage directly with students, parents, and teachers.
Are you looking for a skilled volunteering opportunity to support your career progression? As a school governor, you’ll operate at board-level and develop strategic leadership skills while improving education in your local community. We’re currently recruiting volunteers for schools in Harrow to strengthen their governing boards and enhance pupil outcomes. If that could be you, read on to find out more about the role and how to apply.
What difference will you make?
Governors make decisions that affect schools and their pupils for years to come. Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. The role gives volunteers ample opportunity for personal and professional development, including exposure to finance and budgeting, safeguarding, HR, strategic planning, and more. As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.
What are we looking for?
You don’t need to be a parent or have any specific skills/experience to become a school governor; as long as you’re over the age of 18, you can apply. Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are useful, but soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions. Regardless of your age and skill set, your fresh perspective and lived experience can be invaluable to a school.
What will you be doing?
School governors are responsible for the strategic management of a school and make decisions about a wide range of issues. Governing boards are made up of representatives from the school, parents, the local authority, and the local community. The core responsibilities involved are:
- Ensuring accountability
- Acting as a ‘critical friend’ to the Head Teacher
- Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
- Budgetary allocation and control
- Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
- Setting the school’s aims and values
- Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher
The governing body is usually split into a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.
How to apply
If you’re interested in becoming a school governor, fill out the short application form on our website. We have vacancies available across England and Wales, including the roles listed above in Harrow. You can express your preference for location on the form itself.
School Governor employer: Governors for Schools
Contact Detail:
Governors for Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Governor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the role of a school governor by researching the responsibilities and challenges faced by governing boards. Understanding these aspects will help you articulate how your skills and experiences can contribute to the school's success during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former school governors in your area. They can provide valuable insights into the role and may even offer advice on how to stand out as a candidate when applying through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Attend local school events or community meetings to get a feel for the school culture and the needs of the community. This will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your soft skills, such as leadership and communication, during any informal interviews or networking opportunities. These qualities are highly valued in a school governor and can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace School Governor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to understand the responsibilities of a school governor. Familiarise yourself with the strategic management aspects and how your skills can contribute to the school's success.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise both your professional experience and soft skills. Mention any relevant experience in HR, finance, or project management, as well as your leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
Personal Statement: Craft a compelling personal statement that reflects your motivation for becoming a school governor. Share your passion for education and how you believe you can make a difference in the local community.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role and location you are applying for. Mention your preference for schools in Harrow and any personal connections you may have to the area.
How to prepare for a job interview at Governors for Schools
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of what a school governor does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as strategic management and accountability. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with the role.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
While professional experience is valuable, soft skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving are crucial for a school governor. Prepare examples from your past where you've demonstrated these skills, especially in a team or community setting.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the school's culture, challenges, and goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively as a governor.
✨Highlight Your Fresh Perspective
Emphasise how your unique background and experiences can bring a fresh perspective to the governing board. Whether it's through your professional journey or personal experiences, demonstrating how you can add value will set you apart from other candidates.
