At a Glance
- Tasks: Support education by making impactful decisions as a school governor.
- Company: Schools in Plymouth seeking passionate volunteers.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, make a difference, and connect with the community.
- Why this job: Be part of shaping the future of education and inspire young minds.
- Qualifications: No specific skills needed; just a passion for education and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Flexible commitment with opportunities to meet students, parents, and teachers.
Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Plymouth are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors. What difference will you make? Governors make decisions that affect schools 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.
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 any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.
What will you be doing?
Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues. 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. A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.
School Governor (Plymouth) - Volunteer in Exeter employer: Governors for Schools
Contact Detail:
Governors for Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Governor (Plymouth) - Volunteer in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the schools in Plymouth! Visit them, chat with staff, and understand their culture. This will not only help you feel more connected but also show your genuine interest when you apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current governors or education professionals in your area. They can provide insights and might even put in a good word for you when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off those soft skills! When you're chatting with schools or during interviews, highlight your leadership and communication abilities. These are just as important as any professional experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After meetings or interviews, send a quick thank-you note. It keeps you on their radar and shows that you’re keen on making a difference as a governor.
We think you need these skills to ace School Governor (Plymouth) - Volunteer in Exeter
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 school governor and how you believe you can make a difference in the lives of students and the school community.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Even if you don’t have direct experience in education, think about the skills you bring to the table. Whether it’s leadership, communication, or financial expertise, make sure to mention how these can benefit the school.
Be Authentic: We want to get to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to share personal stories or experiences that have shaped your views on education. Authenticity can really set your application apart from the rest.
Apply Through Our Website: Ready to take the plunge? Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey to becoming a school governor!
How to prepare for a job interview at Governors for Schools
✨Know Your School
Before the interview, take some time to research the school you’re applying to. Understand its ethos, values, and any recent achievements or challenges. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and show how you can contribute positively as a governor.
✨Highlight Your Skills
Even if you don’t have direct experience in education, think about how your professional background can benefit the school. Whether it’s HR, finance, or project management, be ready to discuss how these skills can help with strategic decisions and school improvement.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the school’s goals, challenges, and the role of governors. This shows that you’re engaged and serious about making a difference, plus it gives you a better understanding of what to expect.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
Soft skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving are crucial for a school governor. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully used these skills. This will help the interviewers see how you can be an effective ‘critical friend’ to the Head Teacher.