Join us as a governance volunteer

Working in partnership with the Trust Board, school governors offer strategic guidance, rather than getting involved in the operational aspects of a school. They oversee and monitor the effectiveness of the school in areas such as finance, school improvement and pupil outcomes, safeguarding, estates, policy and compliance and HR. They hold the senior leadership team to account whilst also acting as a critical friend to the headteacher. Most importantly, they help to ensure that children are safe and happy in school and achieve the best possible outcomes.

Governors typically attend between 4 and 6 governing body meetings per year, each of which can last between 2 and 2.5 hours. They may also attend school events and carry out other activities in school including monitoring visits. There is also some time spent on preparing for meetings, reviewing documents, and engaging in professional development. 

Giving Back: Governors contribute to the education and well-being of young people. 

Skills Development: Gain valuable skills in strategic planning, communication, and leadership. 

Personal Growth: Being a governor can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, helping individuals develop personally and professionally. 

Impact: Governors have a significant impact on the school and the lives of its pupils and staff. 

There are no specific qualifications or requirements for the role - every governing board needs to be balanced and have diversity of knowledge, skills and experience. You don't need to have a background in education to be an effective governor. Skills such as negotiation, collaboration and organisation are vital to the role. Having an interest in education, schools and young people is crucial, as is an ability to listen to other people's views, to discuss them and make decisions. Training opportunities are available to help update your skills in key areas.

To be eligible to volunteer for a governance role you need:

• the time to contribute
• to be aged 18 or over
• not to be disqualified under the relevant rules and procedures 

Governors usually serve a four-year term of office.

Different types of school governors are appointed in different ways:

Academy or co-opted position: The governing body will vote to appoint you as a school governor.

Parent governors: Your parent peers will vote to elect you.

Staff governors: Your staff colleagues will vote to elect you.

Foundation governors: These are appointed by the church.

All non-elected governor appointments are subject to the approval of the Trust Board.

There are typically between 10 - 12 governors on each of our local governing bodies

All governing body meeting dates and times are agreed in advance of the beginning of the school year. Agendas are sent out two weeks prior to each meeting in order for governors to adequately prepare.

Most schools hold their governing body meetings outside school hours, often early in the evening. Some schools have a mix of in person and online meetings, others hold all of their meetings in person at school.

In the first instance, complete the Governance Expression of Interest Form at the bottom of this page. On receipt of this form, we will be in touch with you to arrange a convenient time to chat with you about the role. If you remain interested, you will then be asked to complete an application form and provide two referees. As part of the application process, we will undertake an enhanced DBS check and other safer recruitment checks. 

All governors have access to a comprehensive training and induction programme and will have opportunities to meet with senior leaders of the school and other governors following appointment.