School Governor

Could your experience, curiosity and fresh perspective help shape the future of a local school?

Hart Plain Junior School is looking for enthusiastic and committed volunteers to join our governing board.  You do not need to work in education or have previous governance experience.  We are interested in people who care about children’s education, can consider issues thoughtfully and are willing to ask constructive questions.

School governors play an important strategic role.  Working as a team, our governors help ensure that the school has a clear direction, provides the best possible education for every pupil and uses its resources effectively.

What will you do?

As a governor, you will help the governing board to:

• Shape the school’s vision, ethos and strategic direction
• Support and constructively challenge school leaders
• Monitor pupils’ educational performance and wellbeing
• Help ensure that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, can access a high-quality education
• Oversee the school’s finances and ensure public money is used effectively
• Review policies and monitor the school’s compliance with its statutory responsibilities
• Represent the interests of pupils and the wider school community
• Contribute to important decisions about the school’s future

Governors do not become involved in the school’s day-to-day management.  Their role is to look at the bigger picture, test the evidence presented to them and provide both support and appropriate challenge.

Who are we looking for?

You do not need to be a parent or an education specialist.  We welcome people from different professional and personal backgrounds who can bring new ideas, experiences and perspectives to the board.

Experience in areas such as finance, HR, leadership, data, risk management, law, marketing, communications, community engagement or education would be valuable, but it is not essential.  Your judgement, commitment and willingness to learn are just as important.

What will you gain?

Becoming a governor is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children and families in your local community.  It can also help you develop valuable experience in:

• Strategic planning and decision-making
• Board-level governance
• Leadership, challenge and accountability
• Financial oversight
• Data analysis
• Communication and teamwork

You will receive training and support to help you understand the role and contribute confidently.

What is the commitment?

The role is voluntary, and the usual term of office is four years.  Governors are expected to:

·        Attend at least 6 full governing board meetings each year - meetings are normally held in person at the school on Thursday evenings 1730-1930.

• Read meeting papers and prepare questions in advance
• Undertake relevant governor training
• Visit the school during the working day approximately 2-3 times each year

Interested?

You do not need to know everything about school governance before applying.  If you are curious, community-minded and willing to contribute your time and experience, we would be delighted to hear from you.

To arrange an informal conversation or request further information, please get in touch.

Hart Plain Junior School welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds.  We are committed to building a governing board that reflects the diversity of our pupils and wider community.