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School Governorship: is it worth it?

Laura Hood

Hi all

I have recently seen a few adverts for the opportunity to be a governor of a number of local schools. They often want someone with HR experience. 

I know that this would be tough - they say it would be around a day a month but I am sure it would be much more. However, I would like a place on our Company's board and felt that this would potentially give me a (safer) stomping ground and an opportunity to work strategically, whilst offering my skills which I'm sure would be rewarding.

Does anyone have any insight into this?

Parents
  • I have spent the last seven years as a Governor / Director / Trustee and can say that its one of the most frustrating and also worthwhile things I have done. Frustrating because increasingly the power in local schools/academies is centralised in the Principal who generally knows best (or thinks they do) and many have a very limited view of the support/help and guidance that a well run and involved Governing body can add.

    Deeply rewarding because every so often you made a difference and you know that difference may affect hundreds or even thousands of students futures. There are many set backs but enough small wins to make it worthwhile.

    The model is very different from that of Non Execs although shouldn't be) and it took a good 3 years hard work to get the meetings into a sensible order and focusing on the key things (big picture rather than toilets) and even then nothing like a well run Board.

    If I were you I would only look at secondary's.

    I would say go into it with your eyes open. Interview the Head / Principal closely and the Chair of the Governors as to how they operate and what they are looking for and be willing to dedicate a couple of days a month in term time to it.
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  • I have spent the last seven years as a Governor / Director / Trustee and can say that its one of the most frustrating and also worthwhile things I have done. Frustrating because increasingly the power in local schools/academies is centralised in the Principal who generally knows best (or thinks they do) and many have a very limited view of the support/help and guidance that a well run and involved Governing body can add.

    Deeply rewarding because every so often you made a difference and you know that difference may affect hundreds or even thousands of students futures. There are many set backs but enough small wins to make it worthwhile.

    The model is very different from that of Non Execs although shouldn't be) and it took a good 3 years hard work to get the meetings into a sensible order and focusing on the key things (big picture rather than toilets) and even then nothing like a well run Board.

    If I were you I would only look at secondary's.

    I would say go into it with your eyes open. Interview the Head / Principal closely and the Chair of the Governors as to how they operate and what they are looking for and be willing to dedicate a couple of days a month in term time to it.
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