Play vital part at a school near you

The board of school governors at St Mary's School

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DO YOU want to help improve the standard and quality of education in our schools?

If so, Oldham Council wants to hear from you - as the local authority is looking for people to put themselves forward as school governors.

Anyone who is a legal resident in the UK and is over 18 can become a governor and you do not need to be a parent or a parent of a student at a school.

Governing bodies across the borough are made up of a broad range of talented and skilled people, including: parents, school staff, members of the community, and people nominated by the local authority and sometimes places of worship.

Governors, who give up their time freely and generously, are responsible for the strategic direction and financial health and wellbeing of the school, the employment of the head teacher, senior staff and other staff.

Schools can also benefit from governors who have strong skills in areas such as data analysis and interpretation, understanding financial accounts, managing staff and dealing with legal matters.

There are currently more than 1,000 school governors - the largest number of volunteers in the borough - and over the course of the year the council usually has around 100 posts that need filling.

Cllr Amanda Chadderton, cabinet member for education and skills, is a governor at Blackshaw Lane Primary, Royton.

She said: "Our governors have a range of different backgrounds, skills and experiences.

"They are all committed volunteers who work together for the benefit of the school and are the link between the school and the community it serves.

"Effective governors do not need to be experts in education but they do need to be committed.

"A key role is holding the school leadership team to account robustly and effectively, and to do this it is important that governors have a questioning mind and are diplomatic. They also need to be enthusiastic and a good team player.

"The most important thing is that governors have the skills to contribute, and the willingness to learn and develop their own abilities."

Oldham Council offers a free training and development programme for new and existing governors.

If you want to learn more log onto http://www.oldham.gov.uk or contact GBSupport@oldham.gov.uk or call 0161 770 1620.

So are you interested in becoming a volunteer governor? Do you have:
The ability to form effective working relationships with fellow governors and staff?

The ability to enquire, scrutinise, challenge and actively support the work of the senior staff of the school?

the desire to work hard as a volunteer for the benefit of the children, families and staff?

The ability to look at issues objectively?

The confidence to ask challenging questions and join in debate?

The willingness to listen and make informed judgements?

The willingness to act honestly, openly and with integrity?

The benefits of becoming a governor include:

A chance to develop your skills in a strategic management role

The opportunity to work with a team of governors and staff in improving school performance

Training to develop an understanding of specific school management issues

A sense of achievement in making a difference to the school

The pleasure of helping children and young people reach their potential


CASE STUDY: Chairman: I've enjoyed every minute of the role

GRAHAME Benson, chair of governors at St Mary's CE Primary, High Crompton, said: "I've been a governor at the school for nine years and although it can take a while to get used to things I can honestly say I've enjoyed every minute of the role.

"There is a sense of pride and achievement in helping to move the school and governance forward, even if at times it's only small steps. The hard work has paid off though and the governing body recently achieved the Governor Mark.

"This has been the best thing for the governors of our school as we now feel far more informed on what we should be doing, looking for and bringing to our roles and responsibilities within the school.

"I first got involved after being approached by the parish church council and thought it would be a great way to give a little back for the great schooling my three children received there.

"With my background in accountancy and management I also felt I could contribute to the running of the school.

"During my time on the board I've undertaken a number of courses, such as safeguarding, data protection and information security, recruitment, how to chair a meeting, and finance, which have all helped me in the role. The support of others, including school and council staff, has also been invaluable.

"I'd recommend becoming a governor to anyone - it is totally fulfilling, you can give back to the community and you help create a structure to add real value to your school."