Description: Governors are one of the largest group of volunteers in the country and have an important part to play in raising school standards. The role of the governing board is key to the effectiveness of a school. Ofsted (the national inspection body for schools) has noted that the most effective schools demonstrate effective leadership and management – and this includes the governing board.

School governors provide strategic leadership and accountability in schools. Governors appoint the headteacher and deputy headteacher. It is governors who hold the main responsibility for finance in schools, and they work with the headteacher to make the tough decisions about balancing the budget.

The role of the governing board is a strategic one, its key functions are to:

• Ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
• Hold executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the performance management of staff; and
• Oversee the financial performance of the organisation and make sure its money is well spent.

Almost anyone over 18 years of age can become a governor. There are no particular qualifications or requirements, other than a willingness to give time to the role and a capacity for working with other people. Some schools may however be looking for people with particular skills, such as finance or HR. The type of governor you can become depends on your situation, however all governors have the same roles and responsibilities once part of the governing board.

Once you are appointed as a governor there is a comprehensive training programme available.

Governor Development Service training brochure    PDF,  1.5 mbOpens new window

There are vacancies for governors at schools throughout Leicestershire. If you are interested please contact the Governor Development Service – email governors@leics.gov.uk or telephone 0116 305 6430.