Governor Training

Supporting Chairs of Governing Bodies

We need mentors - Do you fit the bill?

How would you like to take on a new role which will not only help improve our schools but is also personally rewarding. By becoming a mentor in Barking and Dagenham this could be just what you are looking for.

Too often the skills and knowledge of our experienced governors are not fully appreciated or utilised. This scheme supports Chairs of Governors who would benefit from some extra help.

We need people like you who are knowledgeable, willing and ready to provide support when called upon to act as their mentors.

What is mentoring?

Mentoring is a process in which a more skilled or experienced person supports a less skilled or experienced person in developing confidence and expertise in a role.

Support is offered in a non-judgemental way in the context of an on-going supportive relationship. Mentoring usually takes place face to face, although telephone or email can also be used.

Mentoring is not coaching; nor does it provide professional or legal advice or is it counselling.

What does a mentor need?

To be really effective a mentor needs a range of skills, qualities and experiences. These might include: empathy, listening skills; the ability to develop a relationship and to maintain confidentiality; and a recent positive experience of chairing a governing body and in dealing effectively with challenging issues.

When is mentoring useful?

Mentoring can be a useful tool for supporting all chairs in a range of situations. In particular it might be useful to a new chair; a chair of a new school or where the chair is supporting a new Head Teacher who had had little experience of working with a governing body.

I am interested - what will I have to do?

Agree to undertake the training - it is important that all mentors have a shared understanding of what is required
Agree to abide by the Mentoring Scheme's Code of Practice - copies will be made available to all interested parties

What do I need to do now?

Contact Alan Jenner at the address shown to express an interest and to find out more.

Contact

Alan Jenner

Senior Adviser - Workforce Development and Governor Support

Westbury Centre

Ripple Road

Barking

IG11 7PT

Tel: 020 8270 4834

Fax: 020 8270 6742

Email: alan.jenner@lbbd.gov.uk|

Lesley Briden

Administrative Assistant to the Senior Adviser - Workforce Development and Governor Support

Tel: 020 8270 6793

Fax: 020 8270 6742

Email: lesley.briden@lbbd.gov.uk|