School governors 

All over the country, school governors - people like you - are helping staff and head teachers ensure the next generation gets the best from school. Schools are changing - and so are governing bodies.

The government is committed to raising educational standards in the class room, and to increasing the role of parents and the local community. Volunteers are needed to help all our children reach their full potential.

Schools are keen to attract people in the community who can bring energy, experience and fresh ideas. Those who would make very good governors may be put off because they think you need to be an expert. Not so - interest, enthusiasm and commitment are much more important.

Governors bring a range of experience and interests from many walks of life. They need to work closely with others to make good decisions - and make sure their decisions are followed up. It helps to be a good listener - you will stand a much better chance of understanding how the school ticks.

You certainly don't need to be a parent to have the makings of a good governor. Retired people and those involved in the local business community have much to offer.

If you have never thought of putting yourself forward, but believe schools should give children the best start, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you want to put something back into your local community?
• Are you interested in people?
• Are you prepared to work as part of a team?
• Do you have time to get to know your school, to go to meetings and read papers?
• Are you comfortable asking questions?
• Are you open to new ideas and ready to learn?
• Do you want children to get the best from school?

Please take a few minutes to read through this web page and see what's involved.

Governors work as a team. They are responsible for making sure the school provides a good quality education. Raising educational standards in school is now a key priority. This has the best chance of happening when there are high expectations of what pupils can achieve.

Governors also promote effective ways of teaching and learning when setting the school aims and policies. They do this together with the head, who is responsible for day-to-day management of the school. Heads are chosen by governors - and most heads choose to be governors themselves.

Every school has a governing body. It will include:

• Parents elected by other parents at the school
• Teachers elected by their colleagues
• A governor elected by, and from, support staff
• Local education authority governors
• A governor from the local community appointed by other members of the governing body, and usually, the head teacher

They may also include representatives from the local education authority, church, charitable trust or business interests. Special schools may have health authority or voluntary organisation representatives.

Governing bodies are responsible to parents, funders and the community. Numbers vary depending on the school's type or size. Appointments are for 4 years.

The governing body's main role is to help raise standards of achievement. It:

• Is accountable for the performance of the school
• Plans the school's future direction
• Selects the head teacher
• Makes decisions on the school's budget and staffing
• Makes sure the National Curriculum is taught
• Decides how the school can encourage pupils' spiritual, moral and cultural development
• Makes sure the school provides for all its pupils, including those with special needs

Governors are at the heart of how a school operates. It's important that they get things right. How they do their job affects the interests of pupils, staff morale and how the school is seen by parents and others in the community.

Governors support and challenge heads by gathering views, asking questions and deciding what's best for the school. They are not there to rubber stamp decisions. They have to be prepared to give and take and be loyal to decisions taken by the governing body as a whole.

So long as they act within the law governors are protected from any financial liability for the decisions they take.

It's no use thinking about being a governor if you can't turn up to meetings or make time to read papers. It needn't be daunting - but you have got to have some time to set aside.

The amount of time varies - but governing bodies are not looking for passengers who want the status without putting in the work. Help with child care expenses may be available from the governing body.

The time you devote can vary widely, depending on how involved you become and what needs doing. Being a governor involves more than just taking an interest, though this is a crucial part of the job.

The governing body usually meets at least once a term. You would probably also sit on 1 or 2 committees dealing with:

• Finance
• Staffing
• Curriculum
• Premises

A governor can also have responsibility for working alongside staff on how numeracy or literacy can be improved. One governor also oversees measures designed to make sure children with special needs are being properly catered for.

Sometimes governors have to make difficult decisions about individual pupils or members of staff. At times it can be hard work - but governors are never expected to work without help and support from others, inside the school and out.

Governor training, advice and support is available from local education authorities. There is even a governors website. But you will learn most at your own school. There is no substitute for visiting the school and talking to staff and pupils.

School governors have a legal right to reasonable unpaid leave from their employer.

Governors can get a great deal from the work and time they put in. It gives them a chance to:

• Make a difference to how well the school runs
• See how their efforts help raise standards
• Do something positive for the next generation
• Serve the local community and
• Help realise their own potential by learning new skills

Schools are part of the local community they serve - and can provide a focal point for improving life chances for adults too.

Everyone has something to offer their local school. But governors find that they gain a lot too. From meeting new people to gaining new skills. And most importantly the knowledge that you are helping to improve education standards for youngsters in your area.

Many employers encourage staff to become school governors. They realise that the skills gained from being a governor are transferable to the workplace.

Some governors have chosen to take the opportunity - with the assistance of their colleagues and local education authority governor support unit - to obtain a qualification based on their work as a governor.

Help and advice is available from a number of sources. In addition to the training and advice offered by the governor support unit at the local authority, governors receive guidance from central government via the Department for Education. Other organisations also offer information. They run their own help lines for governors. They are:

• National Governors' Association, Tel: 01212 373 780
• Governor Line, Tel: 0800 072 2181

If you think you or someone you know might have some of the qualities that are needed then contact your local school and ask to be put in touch with the head or chair of governors.

Or ask to see the school's annual report for information about the school. Or you could contact the Governor Services Section at the Barking and Dagenham Children's Services (020 8227 2622). They will be able to give you information and an application form.

Becoming a governor offers challenges and rewards. You could be joining the largest volunteer group in the country - and helping make sure our children are getting the best their schools can give.