At a Glance
- Tasks: As a school governor, you'll oversee strategic management and support the Head Teacher.
- Company: Governors for Schools is dedicated to improving education through volunteer governance.
- Benefits: Gain valuable leadership skills, network with professionals, and make a real impact in your community.
- Why this job: This role offers personal growth and the chance to influence local education positively.
- Qualifications: No specific skills required; just bring your passion and fresh perspective!
- Other info: Volunteering as a governor can enhance your CV and provide meaningful experience.
Are you looking for a meaningful volunteering opportunity to support your career development? As a school governor, you’ll operate at board level, develop strategic leadership skills, and contribute to improving education in your local community. We are recruiting volunteers for schools in Crawley to strengthen governing boards and enhance pupil outcomes.
What difference will you make? Governors influence decisions affecting schools and pupils for years. Our impact survey shows volunteers bring £9.9 million annually to schools, and 90% would recommend becoming a governor. The role offers personal and professional growth, including exposure to finance, safeguarding, HR, and strategic planning. You can visit the school to understand its culture and ethos, meet children, parents, and teachers, and see your impact firsthand.
What are we looking for? No specific skills or experience are required. If you’re over 18, you can apply. Experience in HR, finance, law, or project management is helpful, but soft skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving are equally valuable. Your fresh perspective and lived experience are an asset to a school.
What will you be doing? School governors oversee strategic management and decision-making on various issues. Governing boards include representatives from the school, parents, local authority, and community. The core responsibilities include:
- Ensuring accountability
- Supporting the Head Teacher as a ‘critical friend’
- Monitoring and evaluating school progress
- Managing budgets
- Planning and overseeing school improvement
- Setting aims and values
- Appointing senior staff, including the Head Teacher
Governance is often divided into committees (e.g., finance, pupil achievement), which meet separately before reporting back to the full board.
How to apply: Interested? Complete the short application form on our website. We have vacancies across England and Wales, including Crawley. You can specify your preferred location on the form.
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 specific needs and challenges of schools in Crawley. Research local educational issues and think about how your unique perspective can contribute to discussions at board level.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current school governors or education professionals in your area. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the role and help you understand what skills and experiences are most valued.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider volunteering for related community initiatives or educational programmes. This will not only enhance your understanding of the educational landscape but also demonstrate your commitment to improving pupil outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your soft skills during any informal interviews or meetings. Highlight your leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities, as these are crucial for a successful governor.
We think you need these skills to ace School Governor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take some time to fully understand the responsibilities of a school governor. Familiarise yourself with the impact governors have on schools and how they contribute to improving education in the community.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Even though no specific skills are required, it's important to highlight any relevant experience you may have. Focus on soft skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving, as well as any background in HR, finance, or project management.
Personal Statement: Craft a compelling personal statement that reflects your motivation for becoming a school governor. Share your passion for education and how your unique perspective can benefit the school community.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the short application form on the Governors for Schools website. Ensure all sections are completed accurately and specify your preferred location for volunteering.
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 supporting the Head Teacher and overseeing strategic management.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
While specific experience isn't required, highlight your soft skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving. Think of examples from your past that demonstrate these abilities, as they are crucial for influencing decisions and working collaboratively.
✨Research the School
Take the time to learn about the school you’re applying to. Understanding its culture, ethos, and current challenges will help you articulate how you can contribute effectively during the interview.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can make a meaningful impact as a school governor.