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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
  • Hi Laura
    I am a School Business Manager in a secondary school. Unless the school in question is an academy who has moved away from the current teacher/support staff pay and conditions, HR practice in schools is often determined by the statutory provisions in place. I question your thought that a school is a safer stomping ground than industry....just different, I would say. We are open to the same risk of tribunals and litigation as a company, in fact more so in a way due to the protections in place that i've referred to above. Also, you would probably find that initially, HR issues are dealt with by the Business Manager and Headteacher, and Governors only involved if the process escalates (then of course, the responsibility is significant). I would suggest though that from a strategic and policy point of view, your input would be very valuable. I also think you might be surprised at the fast pace of schools nowadays and the variety of issues that we deal with, across the board not just in relation to HR. I have worked in schools for 9 years after 15 years in industry, and it has been a real eye opener - and so rewarding. I have been a School Governor too, but some years ago; this role has definitely moved on and is under far more scrutiny than it used to be. Good luck! and best wishes.

    All views my own.
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  • Hi Laura
    I am a School Business Manager in a secondary school. Unless the school in question is an academy who has moved away from the current teacher/support staff pay and conditions, HR practice in schools is often determined by the statutory provisions in place. I question your thought that a school is a safer stomping ground than industry....just different, I would say. We are open to the same risk of tribunals and litigation as a company, in fact more so in a way due to the protections in place that i've referred to above. Also, you would probably find that initially, HR issues are dealt with by the Business Manager and Headteacher, and Governors only involved if the process escalates (then of course, the responsibility is significant). I would suggest though that from a strategic and policy point of view, your input would be very valuable. I also think you might be surprised at the fast pace of schools nowadays and the variety of issues that we deal with, across the board not just in relation to HR. I have worked in schools for 9 years after 15 years in industry, and it has been a real eye opener - and so rewarding. I have been a School Governor too, but some years ago; this role has definitely moved on and is under far more scrutiny than it used to be. Good luck! and best wishes.

    All views my own.
Children