Are you in Wakefield and would like to give something back to the local community, whilst gaining vital-board level experience and helping to provide the best possible future for young people? By serving as a School Governor or Trustee, you have the opportunity to do all of this and more!
Wakefield Council is challenging employers and employees from across the city to volunteer and give something back at a time when schools need you most.
Why volunteer as a School Governor or Trustee?
As a governor you can make a positive impact on a school and the lives of its pupils, by committing some of your time and energy. Working as part of a governing board, you will help shape the strategic direction of a school. You will oversee the school’s performance, its budget and act as guardians of its vision and values. You will also provide challenge and support to the head teacher and help them as they raise standards throughout the school.
Time Commitment
Typically, governing boards meet every half term and expect board members to undertake monitoring visits to see the school in action and speak to teachers and pupils, alongside preparing for meetings and training and development. The time commitment is in the region of 8 hours a month depending on the school and additional responsibilities you take on. You will need to attend meetings, typically outside of office hours, and do the necessary preparatory reading.
Work in the NHS?
NHS employees are perfectly suited to the role of school governors and possess a diverse range of qualities, expertise, skills and experiences that could really benefit a school and its governing board:
– Being collaborative and working as a team
– Awareness of the value of public service in the community
– Understanding the importance of safeguarding
– Adapting to change and attention to detail
– Experience of working in a highly regulated sector
– Ability to prioritize and organise time efficiently
“I don’t have a background in education, but the skills I use in my day job are all transferrable and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help shape the future of the children in our school. I would encourage anybody who is looking to get more involved in their local community to look at becoming a School Governor. You gain first-hand insight into the challenges that schools face but also experience the wonderful work teachers and staff do every day, to improve the life chances of all young people. There is plenty of training and support available and you might be surprised at how sought-after your skills are! ”
Annamaria Spokes, Chair of Governors at Streethouse Primary School
The Inspiring Governance portal will match you with a school local to where you live or work and, once appointed as a governor, you will be able to access training and support from Wakefield Governor Services Team.
