Volunteer School Governor

What will you be doing?

Academy Councils work closely with Headteachers and Senior Leaders. Headteachers are responsible for day-to-day management whereas the role of the Council is strategic. As such, Governors are responsible for:

Determining the mission, values and long-term ambitious vision for the school. Deciding the principles that guide school policies and approving key policies. Working with Senior Leaders to develop a strategy for achieving the vision.  Ensuring that parents, pupils, staff and the wider community are involved, consulted and informed as appropriate. Ensuring that all pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum such that pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education and adult life. Setting the school’s budget and ensuring it is managed effectively together with premises and other resources. Agreeing the school’s staffing structure and keeping it under review to ensure it supports delivery of the strategy. Ensuring robust risk management procedures are in place and that risk control measures are appropriate and effective.

Monitoring and evaluating school performance

Measuring the school’s impact and progress towards its strategic objectives. Ensuring the required policies and procedures are in place and the school is operating effectively in line with these policies. Evaluating relevant data and feedback provided by school leaders and external reporting on all aspects of school performance. Asking challenging questions of school leaders in order to hold them to account. Holding the Headteacher to account for standards, financial probity and compliance with agreed policies. Visiting the school to monitor implementation of the strategy and reporting back to the board (this could be in a link governor capacity). Ensuring that there are policies and procedures in place to deal with complaints effectively

When required, governors are expected to serve on panels or committees, governors should ensure that they are making a positive and meaningful contribution to the Academy Council.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for governors with specialisms across: 

Quality of Education & Standards - Primary and/or Secondary Finance Health & Safety

What difference will you make?

The core responsibilities involved are:

Acting as a ‘critical friend’ to the Head Teacher Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation. Setting the school’s aims and values Ensuring there is clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils and the performance management of staff Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent. Ensuring the voices of stakeholders are heard. 

Governors must also ensure that the governing body complies with all legal and statutory requirements. Governors should seek the advice of the clerk to the governing board and other professional advice as appropriate.