Improve your workplace skills alongside a team of professionals as a school governor with East Sussex County Council.
Becoming a governor
Volunteer as a school governor to help improve education in your local community.
You’ll also:
- enhance your professional skills
- build relationships and networks in your local area
- gain experience of managing an organisation
- raise questions, discuss issues and help make decisions
A governor usually serves for four years. But they are volunteers, so can leave at any time. They can also be re-elected or re-appointed.
See: Applying to become a school governor.
Who can become a governor?
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. You don’t have to be a parent or hold any qualifications. You’ll need to meet some legal requirements though, such as an enhanced DBS check.
You must be:
- over 18
- interested in children’s education
- able to commit 5-8 hours a month
- discreet, open minded and fair
- able to share your ideas
- enthusiastic and a team player.
Schools are also keen to hear from people with business skills.
Types of governor
Every maintained school has a governing board, made up of:
- Parent governors, elected by school parents
- Staff governors, elected by school staff
- Local Authority (LA) governors, nominated by the LA
Voluntary Aided church schools also have:
- Foundation governors, appointed by the Diocese of Chichester or the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton.
What support is available to governors?
Support is offered at school by:
- the head teacher
- chair of governors
- other governors and;
- the clerk to the governing board.
The Governor and Clerking Service provide training and support. They work across all sectors including Academies and Free Schools. Email Governor and Clerking Service or call 01323 466885.
National Governor organisations provide further online support and advice.
To support you in your new governance role:
- You will receive a complimentary copy of the induction guide Welcome to Governance, produced by the National Governance Association (NGA).
- You can access our resources page with handy links to key documents and resources from the NGA and the DfE around the governance role
- If aged under 40 then you are able to join the National Governance Association’s Young Governor Network.
- Your board will support your induction with access to a local or national training offer provided by your local authority, diocese, academy trust or the NGA. They may also provide a buddy scheme, pairing you up with a more experienced governor for your first term in role.
Questions? Please contact us at enquiries@inspiringgovernance.org or phone 020 7566 4880.
