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- Tasks: Lead a board of governors to drive school improvement and make impactful decisions.
- Company: A dedicated school in Derby focused on enhancing educational outcomes.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in leadership, finance, and strategic planning while making a difference.
- Why this job: Inspire change in education and see the direct impact of your contributions.
- Qualifications: Over 18 with strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills; previous governance experience preferred.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and help shape the future of local education.
Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school in Derby is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement.
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. Becoming a governor gives you ample opportunity for personal and professional development, including exposure to finance and budgeting, safeguarding, HR, strategic planning, and more.
As a chair of governors, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos as well as meeting children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand. Chair of governors act as a ‘critical friend’ to their head teacher ensuring accountability and helping to monitor and evaluate the school’s progress, budget and staffing. You’ll also help your governing board to shape and implement future plans and guide the school's aims, ethos and values.
What are we looking for? You don’t need to be a parent or have any specific skills to become a chair of governors; you’ll need to be over 18 and happy to have a DBS check to apply! Professional skills such as HR, finance, law or project management are useful, but governing boards are often needing softer skills such as leadership, communication and problem solving alongside a fresh perspective and lived experience within their communities to help schools have a bright future.
As a chair of governors, you’ll be supported by the Vice Chair and Clerk to help ensure an effective, focused board utilising and building its skills, knowledge and experience. The vacancy is for a 7‑11 junior school looking to find a chair of governor to sit on their board with experience of business and finance. They would ideally like their chair of governors to have had previous experience of being a governor. The school is proud of the outcomes it offers for its children, including use of a forest school, creating lifelong learners.
What will you be doing? As a Chair of Governors, you’ll operate at the head of a governing board and utilise strategic leadership skills, making decisions on a wide range of topics and improving education within your local community.
Chair of Governors (Derby) - Volunteer employer: Governors for Schools
Contact Detail:
Governors for Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of Governors (Derby) - Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around the school grounds or attend a few events. This will give you a feel for the culture and ethos, plus it shows your genuine interest in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former governors to chat about their experiences. They can provide valuable insights and tips that could help you stand out during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your soft skills! While professional experience is great, don’t forget to highlight your leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities. These are key traits that schools are looking for in a Chair of Governors.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of Governors (Derby) - Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Education: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education shine through! Share why you want to be a Chair of Governors and how you believe you can make a difference in the school community.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if you haven't been a governor before, showcase any leadership or community involvement you've had. We want to see how your skills in HR, finance, or project management can benefit the board!
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application. We value fresh perspectives and lived experiences, so let us know what makes you unique and how that can contribute to the school's ethos.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Governors for Schools
✨Know Your School
Before the interview, take some time to visit the school and get a feel for its culture and ethos. Meeting with teachers, parents, and even students can give you valuable insights that will help you articulate how you can contribute as Chair of Governors.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Make sure to showcase any previous experience you have in governance or leadership roles. Even if you haven't been a governor before, emphasise your skills in HR, finance, or project management, and how they can benefit the governing board.
✨Demonstrate Soft Skills
As much as technical skills matter, don’t forget to highlight your softer skills like communication, problem-solving, and leadership. These are crucial for a Chair of Governors, so be ready to share examples of how you've used these skills in past situations.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you’ll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful ones that show your interest in the school’s future and your commitment to making a difference. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is right for you.
