School Governorship: is it worth it?

Hi Laura

I don't know whether you are aware of the Enterprise advisor role? I've recently signed up and waiting to be paired with a school could be something different to consider to Governorship? www.cipdenterpriseadvisers.co.uk/

Freya

Hi Laura. I was recruited as a Community Governor to a local primary school over 3 years ago because of my HR experience. As it is a maintained school, most of the actual HR support the school gets is from the Local Authority HR team but I specifically assist with Headteacher / Clerk performance management, with recruitment interviews, etc. From my own experience, you can gain really useful strategic / board experience as a governor but it does depend on the school, the Governing Board and the Headteacher. The most rewarding aspect of the role is the pupils - they are inspiring; sometimes I think the role of a community governor is to help the staff of the school to recognise that they operate in a wider world, helping them to connect to businesses / employers / others within the local community - you can thereby use your HR experience / network to enhance the educational experience of pupils and help them to prepare for their post-education life, regardless of their age

Hello
I have been a school governor for a Academy secondary school and found it fascinating to compare the issues we face in the private sector to those faced by education. It was a rewarding experience but potentially very time consuming as there is a lot of pressure on you to attend a lot of training. I was able to apply my professional expertise to assist the school with a restructuring as a result of cuts in funding but did come up against some resistance from some governors who saw HR as an admin function and not a strategic partner. Also check with any school that you approach what their rules are regarding the number of non-parent governors are as I had to step down early when my son moved to another school to do his A-Levels.

Hi Laura,

Quite a few views for you to ponder! As someone who has been a Community Governor for a Junior School, then Chair of Governors and now a Parent Governor for a Secondary School, I think you need to ask about the value you'd bring to the School and what you'd experience as a result. I've had a mixed experience from real involvement in changing the direction of a school to feeling a bit of a spare part with not much input despite my HR experience (which occasionally has been considered). My view is simply that schools need governors and that HR professionals can add to the school. You need to get your voice heard and not sit back (which as someone has said is difficult as finding the time can be challenging - I wouldn't do Chair of Governors again at the moment!) but equally there isn't a huge commitment and sometimes your advice can make a difference. As someone else has also said it may not, however, give you any particular strategic experience akin to that you'd want at the level of a Company Board.

The thread that keeps on giving. Special thanks to those of you posting for the first time and sharing your experience. Much appreciated.

Hi Laura, I have been a governor in a school for many years and would state unequivocally that it has been an excellent arena for implementation of HR skills and competencies. Many schools now require executive/business-like assistance to run their organisations and to develop effective strategic planning. From my own experience I would recommend school governorship for any HR professional.

Hi Emma
I totally agree with everything you say above. I am going through a similar experience having been a Chair of governors in a primary school and now a Trustee for our new MAT. I am also working with the CEO on putting together a People Strategy that will cover very similar territory.
Yes it is busy and yes it is rewarding and exciting!
Would be good to connect to discuss experiences?
Stella

Would be good to connect to discuss experiences?

The platform doesn't make it easy to 'connect' with peers. If both agree I can pass on email addresses. Just let me know.

Laura
I have been a governor for over 15 years starting out at my old secondary school and then moving onto my children's primary school where I am now chair of governors - we recently became part of a Multi Academy Trust and I am now a Trustee with responsibility for HR. At Trust Board level you are running a company and so it is excellent experience.
However the thing to remember is that schools are looking for people who can make an impact for them and ultimately, on the progress and achievement of children. To be a really effective governor you need to be interested in this and in the life of the school and its community.
There is no doubt that the role is about being a 'trusted advisor' and providing challenge to school leaders. As many other people have stated in this thread.
If you are looking for a rewarding experience, are open to learning, and have a genuine interest in creating positive outcomes for your community I would highly recommend being a governor.

Hi Laura

I have just seen your post and I have myself just signed up as a school governor, partly because Im looking for a different perspective career wise and partly to "give something back ". It's very early days yet and the pace is very slow so it takes longer than I imagined to get properly involved. Im sure you'll get benefit from it and that your skills will benefit the school, however I wouldnt expect it to contribute hugely towards your experience of truly working strategically.