Young people: have you ever considered volunteering as a school governor?🙋♀️
If you have only recently left the education system yourself, you might wonder what you could bring to a school governor; perhaps you feel you’re too young or don’t have enough experience…but you have so much to offer that schools are looking for! 
Why are schools looking for younger people to volunteer as school governors?
Young people bring so much to a school governing board, not least a fresh perspective and a voice that may not otherwise be reflected. You can be a role model for children and young people; seeing people like them in roles across the school, including on governing boards, will give them confidence in what they can achieve and raise their aspirations.
Aren’t I too young to do something like this?
Absolutely not – in fact, it’s your superpower! With your recent experience of being in the education system and your ability to understand what students are feeling and experiencing at school, you bring an incredibly important perspective to the table. In fact, did you know the only prerequisite is to be over the age of 18 – you don’t need a long work history or specific skills to get involved.
Daisy Polius, Quality Manager, puts it perfectly: “I think I bring a fresh perspective of ‘modern life’ – there is a significant age gap on most school boards, with the average age of a board member being 55, so I think having someone my age around the table means there is someone present who can connect with current learners, empathise with their needs and understand some of the issues they face.”
What are the benefits of volunteering in the role?
The role is hugely varied from school to school with a variety of different positions available. Elliot Griffiths works for the NHS and volunteers as a school governor because he wanted to give back, but has also had experiences that have helped his career: “Being a governor has helped me to understand the importance of society in our lives. It has developed my experience of leadership, having engaging and supportive conversations, and making decisions that matter. I have been able to transplant those skills into my day-job, leveraging the skills to further my own career.”
Interested in finding out more? Join our free information session on Wednesday 24th April at 12.15 to hear from people currently volunteering in the role, including Elliot, what the role involves and how to get involved. Sign up to join us!
Sign up here