At a Glance
- Tasks: Support education by making impactful decisions as a school governor.
- Company: Governors for Schools, dedicated to enhancing educational experiences.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, network with professionals, and make a difference in your community.
- Why this job: Be part of something bigger and inspire the next generation through education.
- Qualifications: No specific skills needed; just a passion for education and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Flexible commitment with opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills.
Join to apply for the School Governor (London) - Volunteer role at Governors for Schools.
Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across London are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors. 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 its culture and ethos, meet children, parents and teachers, and see the impact of your work first‑hand.
What we’re looking for:
- You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor.
- You must be over 18.
- You need not 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 is useful.
- Soft skills such as leadership, communication and problem‑solving are also great additions.
Core Responsibilities:
- 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 meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail; discussion is then fed back in a full governing body meeting. A school governing body comprises representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.
Location: London, England, United Kingdom
School Governor (London) - Volunteer employer: Governors for Schools
Contact Detail:
Governors for Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Governor (London) - Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take some time to visit the school and chat with staff and students. This will give you a feel for the culture and ethos, plus it shows your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your soft skills! As a school governor, you'll need to communicate effectively and problem-solve on the spot. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated these skills and be ready to share them.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former governors to get insights into their experiences. They can provide valuable tips and might even help you stand out during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to apply for the School Governor role. Plus, it shows you're committed to supporting education in your community. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace School Governor (London) - 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 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 do have. Whether it’s HR, finance, or project management, make sure to mention how these skills can benefit the school and its governance.
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 not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in making a positive impact.
✨Highlight Relevant Skills
Even if you don’t have direct experience in education, think about how your professional background in HR, finance, or project management can contribute to the role. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how your skills can help the school improve and thrive.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions to ask the interviewers about their goals, challenges, and what they value in a governor. This shows that you’re engaged and serious about the role, plus it helps you determine if the school is the right fit for you.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
Soft skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving are crucial for a school governor. Think of examples from your past where you’ve demonstrated these skills, and be ready to share them during the interview. This will help paint a picture of how you can be an effective 'critical friend' to the Head Teacher.