At a Glance
- Tasks: Make impactful decisions that shape the future of schools and support educational improvement.
- Company: Join a community-focused organisation dedicated to enhancing local schools.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop leadership skills, and make a real difference in education.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of your community and influence the lives of students and teachers.
- Qualifications: No specific skills needed; just bring your passion and perspective!
- Other info: Flexible commitment with opportunities to meet diverse school stakeholders.
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 (Solihull) - 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 (Solihull) - Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Visit the school and chat with teachers, parents, and students. This will help you understand the culture and ethos, making it easier for you to contribute effectively as a governor.
✨Tip Number 2
Leverage your unique skills! Whether it's HR, finance, or just great communication, think about how your background can benefit the school. Bring your perspective to the table; it’s what schools need!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with other governors and education professionals. They can offer insights and tips that could be invaluable in your role. Plus, it’s a great way to build relationships within the community.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get started on your journey as a school governor. We’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.
We think you need these skills to ace School Governor (Solihull) - Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique perspective and experiences that could benefit the school.
Show Your Passion: Make sure to express why you’re interested in becoming a school governor. We love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in education and supporting 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 leadership, communication, or problem-solving, we want to know how these can contribute to the governing body.
Apply Through Our Website: To make things easier for us both, please apply through our website. It streamlines the process and ensures your application gets to the right people quickly!
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 developments. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and show how your perspective can contribute to their goals.
✨Highlight Your Soft Skills
While specific experience isn’t necessary, soft skills are crucial for a School Governor role. Be ready to discuss examples of your leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities. Think of situations where you’ve successfully navigated challenges or worked collaboratively with others.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school’s current challenges and future plans. This not only shows your engagement but also helps you assess if the role aligns with your values and interests.
✨Be Authentic
Don’t be afraid to share your unique perspective and experiences. The governing body values diverse viewpoints, so let your personality shine through. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates and make a lasting impression.