Could you play a 'vital role' in future of schools?
A CALL has gone out for volunteers – especially young people – to become school governors.
Bristol has an estimated 180 vacancies for governors in local authority maintained schools. Some academies may also have openings.
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From left, Principal John Matthews, Maddy Collins, 26, and chair of governors Des Craddock
Schools in neighbouring local authorities are also always looking for people with a range of skills and from varied backgrounds to apply.
Bristol City Council is particularly keen to hear from young people, who have a recent experience of education and might want to contribute.
Just eight per cent of governors are aged under 40. Among them is Maddy Collins, 26, who works for Lloyds TSB Commercial and has just joined the governing body at Brislington Enterprise College.
Some 70 vacancies in Bristol are for parent governors.
People can become a parent governor at a school other than where their children attend.
People who are not parents are also welcome, as community or local authority appointed governors – people who live or work in the locally, or have skills or expertise that the governing body would find helpful.
The city council would especially like to hear from people interested in being governors at nursery schools, where there are 17 vacancies including: Filton Avenue, Hartcliffe, Ilminster Avenue, Little Hayes, The Limes, Redcliffe, St Paul's, St Philip's Marsh, Knowle West.
Currently about 14 per cent of governors are from black or minority ethnic backgrounds.
Four per cent of Bristol's governors are disabled and there is an active disabled governors network, working together to raise awareness and help schools tackle issues of disability, for pupils, staff and parents.
Cabinet member for children and young people, Clare Campion-Smith, said: "School governors perform a vital role in the management of schools and the education of young people in the city.
"They are responsible for setting the strategic direction of schools, monitoring standards and the impact of policies and plans, and holding staff and head teachers to account.
"It can be a very rewarding role and if anyone is interested in playing an active part in their community, I'd encourage them to get involved.
"We are looking for volunteers from all walks of life and no specific skills or experience are needed, but you must be willing to commit time to the school."
South Gloucestershire Council is also looking for more volunteer governors.
People can find out more from the governors' section of any local authority website or by contacting the School Governors One Stop Shop.
3 Comments
by Meetwee
Tuesday, February 14 2012, 11:39PM
“It's all good and well being a school governor, if you don't have a life. I speak from current experience. It is so time consuming that it is like an unpaid job. Most self respecting 'young people'-(no disrespect to Maddie intended) are far too busy with careers (if lucky enough to have a job), socialising and learning about life. All of which adds to a bank of experiences which will prove invaluable should they decide to give something back to their communities when they are older.”
by RobBradStoke
Tuesday, February 14 2012, 6:58PM
“Being a school governor is very rewarding (but does take up some time if you do it right). It even improves your own work-skills.
Actually Dicktator most schools are following the agenda you mentioned, contrary to the Press! Just need politicians to implement effective policies and to stop changing their minds every five minutes!”
by dicktator
Tuesday, February 14 2012, 8:25AM
“Presumably older applicants might not be suitable as they will all want a return to the three Rs, discipline, courtesy,competitive sport, and the type of straightforward education that made this Country great?”