Becoming a governor
An Introduction to School Governance in Wales – the governor journey
Produced in partnership with Governors for Schools and Cardiff University, this module is designed specifically for those interested in becoming a governor and for those who have recently commenced their school governor journey in schools in Wales.
An excellent governing body is vital to a school’s success – why?
- governors are responsible for the appointment of the headteacher and deputy headteacher
- governors decisions directly affect the education and wellbeing of pupils
- governors can really make a difference in improving standards throughout the school
A governor is someone who:
- is appointed or elected for a four-year term;
- commits interest, enthusiasm and time to being a governor;
- can attend at least one governing body meeting during each school term and may be asked to attend committee meetings (most meetings usually take place late afternoon or during the evenings);
- familiarises themselves with work of the school, including visiting the school, and keeps up to date with the progress and work of the school;
- works as a team, deciding on things jointly and sharing responsibilities for the decisions they make;
- focuses their contribution to governing body decisions upon what is in the best interests of pupils at the school, helping each pupil to develop their full potential;
- supports the school but also challenges and asks questions about how the school works and the standards it achieves, bearing in mind the governing body’s own responsibility to promote high standards of educational achievement;
- is willing to learn and attend training courses (including induction and data training) arranged by the LA, which are free of charge, and which will improve skills and contribute to personal development.
What we hope you will get out of being a governor – what are the benefits?
- having a very real part to play in ensuring the pupils at the school get the best possible education;
- satisfaction of raising standards;
- achieving value for money for the school;
- giving something back to the community;
- a sense of purpose and achievement;
- training and support in order to help you fulfil your duties and responsibilities;
- new skills which may be useful elsewhere – team work, financial and strategic planning, recruitment and interviewing skills – and that’s just for starters!
Here is Jenny from St John the Baptist VA School, Flintshire on what it means to her to be a governor in Wales.
And finally …
- The strength of a governing body lies in its ability to attract and rely upon members from a wide variety of backgrounds, share out the duties amongst its members, and be able to take decisions as a group.
- No one governor is responsible for the governing body, not even the chair of governors.
- All governors share the responsibility of making the governing body effective and efficient by setting the remit of the body and its committees, being well-informed and attending the meetings.
Free Governor Recruitment Service
Boards for Education (formerly Governors for Schools) is an education charity that strengthens governance across schools, colleges and education charities by connecting them with skilled volunteers. They recruit, place and support governors and trustees, helping education organisations benefit from a wider range of expertise, perspectives and community connections. Working with businesses, universities, voluntary sector organisations and community groups, they encourage people from all backgrounds to use their skills and experience to support education. Through strong governance, volunteers help schools and colleges provide the best possible outcomes for learners and the communities they serve.
Who is the service for?
We support all types of state-funded schools to recruit governors. Our matching service is provided free of charge. If you have a vacancy on your governing body, you can register it with us and we will work to connect you with suitable volunteers.
How does the service work?
- Register your governor vacancies online. Tell us about your organisation and the skills, experience or local connections you are seeking from a volunteer.
- We identify suitable candidates – As volunteers register with us, we match them with vacancies registered on the system.
- Introduction and matching – If both parties are interested, we will facilitate an introduction and provide information about the volunteer’s skills, experience and motivation for becoming a governor.
- Get to know each other – You can arrange to meet the volunteer, either online or in person, to discuss the role and determine whether they would be a good fit for your board.
- Appointment – If the volunteer is appointed, you can follow your usual recruitment and appointment processes. We will continue to provide guidance and support to help them succeed in their role.
Diverse governance, stronger boards
Effective boards benefit from a broad range of experiences, skills and perspectives. We are committed to widening participation in governance and helping boards reflect the communities they serve. By bringing together volunteers from different professional backgrounds, age groups and communities, we help schools, trusts and colleges build stronger, more effective governance.
Find out more
For more information about our services, please contact: Loren Nadin – [email protected]
Alternatively, visit www.boardsforeducation.org.uk to learn more about how we support governance across education.
Take the next step
If you are interested in being a school governor, or finding out more:
- Contact Governors Cymru Services for more information via [email protected]
- Talk to someone who is a governor
- Contact the headteacher, or chair of governors at your local school
- Contact your local authority
- Contact Governors for Schools
Information on Local Authority websites
© Governors Cymru Services
