Become a Governor in one of our Schools

Governors in academies and schools are people who want to make a positive contribution to children’s education.

The role of the Local Governing Board (LGB) is absolutely key to the effectiveness of our academies. Time and time again Ofsted has noted that the most effective academies and schools demonstrate effective leadership and management - including the Local Governing Board.

The LGB is responsible for a wide range of matters, with three core functions: 

• setting the vision and strategic direction of the academy 
• holding the senior leaders to account for its educational performance 
• ensuring financial resources are well spent

Key roles and responsibilities

• to provide strategic leadership and accountability
• to set the aims and objectives for the academy 
• to set the policies and targets for achieving those aims and objectives
• to be accountable for the academy’s performance 
• to set and monitor the school’s budget 
• to be a source of challenge and support to the senior leaders

The benefits of becoming involved 

Being a governor is a hugely rewarding form of voluntary work. It offers the opportunity to make a real contribution to the education of our younger generation right at the cutting edge. 

In return for the commitment that all our governors make, they benefit from:

• making a real difference for our children
• contributing to the local community
• ongoing in-house and external training
• access to governance resources
• personal development 
• contributing to the success of the academy and it’s students
• sense of achievement
• working as part of a team 
• gaining expertise in new areas 
• understanding the education system

What we ask from our Governors

Governors offer their time voluntarily. In terms of time commitment, becoming a governor of an academy will mean that you ‘sign up’ for a period of four years. 

Each year you will be expected to attend at least three meetings per annum, and additionally may sit on one committee which take place three times per year. 

All governors are usually linked to a subject or specialism, drawing on their own experience or knowledge forming a close link and becoming more involved with its activities. As part of their role link governors are often expected to arrange a visit along with the co-oridnator in school, and provide a short report for the board.

Who can be a Governor?

LGBs within our multi-academy trust consist of governors from all walks of life, falling into one of a number of categories; parent governors, staff governors and governors appointed by the Trust.

To be eligible as a governor you must be over 18 years of age and not have been declared bankrupt. There are no particular qualifications or requirements other than a willingness to give time to the role, a capacity for working with other people and a desire to ensure that all children receive the best possible outcomes. However, at times we may specifically look to recruit governors with particular skill sets (eg Finance or HR) according to a governor audit.

Any particular skills or experience will be utilised wherever relevant, to enable the academy to benefit from this knowledge for the benefit of our pupils, students, staff and community.

How to apply to be a Governor

Applications are welcome at any time, whether we have a vacancy or not. You can complete one of our nomination forms, which is attached to this web page, and return it to the address on the form.

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a governor within one of our academies, please contact us to find out more.  You can also click on the Governor Information Pack and Application Form below.

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