My Experience in Being Part of The Governing Body

I first became a School Governor around 15 years ago, a few months after my first ever parents evening (as a parent), in which I may have somewhat surprised the class teacher as I came with a list of questions which I considered relevant at the time, but with the benefit of hindsight definitely weren’t the right questions to ask the class teacher!

A few weeks after the parents evening, I spotted an advert for a Parent Governor applied, and to my delight following a rather nerve-wracking vote became appointed. At the time of my appointment the Primary School I was a Parent Governor for was a Foundation School, which I quickly learnt is a School that is funded by the Local Authority, but is run the School Governing Body. The Governing body is the ‘employer’ and has primary responsibility for admissions.

During my 9 years as a Primary School Governor, I learnt a great deal both about myself, my commitment to the School community and discovered a great deal about Education and the challenges this sector face.  My background is that of HR largely in the private sector but more recently in the Education sector as well. After my initial term as a Parent Governor I became a Co-Opted Governor, then Vice Chair and ultimately Chairperson and Trustee. As someone who initially joined as a Parent Governor, primarily interested in finding out more about the Education sector and how best to support my child I certainly gained (and put in) a lot more than I expected! I resigned from the position to focus more on my career, but was lured by a further advertisement this time at a grammar school where I am currently in my first term of office as the Co-Opted SEND Governor.

Being a School Governor is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling, and I genuinely believe a role in which the more you put in the more you gain. Joining an established Board of Governors or Trustees can be daunting, especially if you don’t have any experience in the Education sector not least because of the abbreviations, terms and references that are used. I can still remember being completely taken aback at how much I didn’t understand at my first meeting, but with a supportive ‘buddy’ and a kind Clerk, I quickly learnt this new language and way of working. 

The amount of time required to be an effective School Governor depends on the type of School, set up of the Board, and individual Governor responsibilities. Initially the time and commitment required of me was minimal – 4 meetings per year, plus a few ‘monitoring visits which could also include attending a school event. However over time this commitment, together with my experience and knowledge increased.  In particular when following the appointment of a new Headteacher, it was agreed by the Board that the School would become an Academy, and then a multi-Academy (as we were joined by another Primary School). This necessitated a review of the responsibilities of the each School’s Governing body and the establishment of an overarching Trust Board.

Governors are involved in making key strategic decisions that affect the direction and success of a School, and it is incredibly important that this strategic focus is maintained. However monitoring visits enable Governors to understand and learn more about the School community which helps to inform strategic decisions.

The Seven Principles of Public life (also known as the Nolan Principles) apply to School Governors, these underpin the role of a Governor, and are a great point of reference for any Governor (or anyone considering becoming a Governor. They are; Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honest and Leadership.’

School Governors primary role is to provide support to the Headteacher and senior staff, which can involve acting as a sounding board, offering advice and guidance, and helping to hold the leadership to account (being a critical friend). The role of a School Governor is vital in ensuring that the school is well-managed and effective in delivering education. This oversight includes all the core aspects of running a business (or a school), including HR, Finance, H&S, Legal, IT, Project and Risk Management. However you don’t need to be an expert, as there is a great range of training available to support Governors. Many Schools purchase the Governor Services Training Package provided by The Education People The Education People | Governor Services Training Package which includes a wide variety of training courses, online resources, email updates and an annual conference to support Governors on their journey.

Whilst being a School Governor is of course a voluntary (unpaid position) it is incredibly rewarding, and has helped me not only develop personally but professionally as well. I initially joined as a Parent Governor, as many do, and for me learning about the Education sector has helped me in supporting my children whilst at School, times have certainly changed since I was at school in the 1980’s, ducking the board rubber in Physics!  Wellbeing certainly wasn’t a concept then, but it absolutely is now, for both staff, students and Governors with some Schools recognising their Governors contribution by including Governors in their School wellbeing provision such as the HRConnect Support line Provision. Support Line Brochure 2024.pdf