Are you interested in using your accounting skills for good? Volunteering is an amazing way to give back to society, whilst also enhancing your CV, learning new skills, growing your network and enjoying the feel-good factor.
Becoming a school governor is a great place to start for a volunteering role. We have all experienced school – and some of us more than once, perhaps as a pupil, parent or even a teacher! Being a school governor tends to be a structured role with a clear meeting series and agenda. The time commitment will likely range from 4 to 8 hours a month depending on the school and which responsibilities you take on.
Schools are always in need of volunteers with financial skills to help with the financial management of the school and to ensure resources are being best used for the benefit of its pupils. As a governor you play a critical role in supporting the development of the next generation of young people.
Research by the Department of Education shows financial skills remain the most sought-after skill set by governing boards. Areas where you can contribute your financial skills will include:
· Strategic oversight and scrutiny of budgets (not day to day preparing of accounts!)
· Reviewing the school’s forecasting and budget setting for each financial year
· Ensuring financial compliance, strategically ensuring controls and processes are in place, and overseeing their risk register
· Providing strategic advice in areas such as procurement, considering cost/ benefit analysis of key decisions, purchases and projects
Inspiring Governance aims to promote school governorship and connect skilled volunteers with schools across England. They are particularly keen to increase the number of governors from diverse and younger backgrounds to help build strong boards.
You don’t need any specific qualifications to become a governor – it’s a simple process and once approved there are plenty of resources and dedicated training materials to help you settle in to the role. Simply register via the sign up link at the top of this page, complete a brief application and search for opportunities near you. Your profile can also be seen by local schools and colleges so if it catches their eye they’ll contact your directly.
Using your skills for good as well as benefiting from the feel-good factor of supporting the development of the next generation, all for just a few hours a month. What’s not to like? Sign up today to get started!
Sign Up Here
