At a Glance
- Tasks: Support education by making impactful decisions as a school governor.
- Company: Schools across York seeking passionate volunteers.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, meet new people, and make a difference in your community.
- Why this job: Be part of shaping the future of education and see your impact first-hand.
- Qualifications: No specific skills needed; just a passion for education and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Flexible commitment with opportunities for personal growth and networking.
Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across York 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 (York) - 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 (York) - Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before you apply, take a trip to the school and soak in the atmosphere. Chat with teachers and parents to understand their needs and how you can make a difference as a governor.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you're chatting with the school or during interviews, highlight any relevant experience you have, whether it's in HR, finance, or just being a great communicator. We want to see how you can bring your unique perspective to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Reach out to schools directly through our website and express your interest in becoming a governor. Your enthusiasm will shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After your initial contact or interview, drop a quick email thanking them for the opportunity and reiterating your excitement about the role. It shows you're keen and keeps you on their radar.
We think you need these skills to ace School Governor (York) - 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 leadership, communication, or problem-solving, make sure to mention how these can benefit the school and its governing body.
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 govern. Understand its ethos, values, and any recent developments. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and show how your skills can contribute to their specific needs.
✨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 be beneficial. Be ready to discuss how these skills can help the school improve and achieve its goals.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the school's challenges and future plans. This not only shows your engagement but also helps you assess if the role aligns with your values and interests.
✨Showcase Soft Skills
Soft skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving are crucial for a school governor. Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully used these skills, and be ready to share them during the interview.