Appeal launched to address shortage of school governors in Cambridgeshire
An exciting appeal has been launched by Cambridgeshire County Council to recruit more school governors. There are around 50 vacancies that need to be filled in Cambridgeshire.
Figures suggest that a shortage of school governors is a national issue, and this scheme will aim to attract a diverse range of people to help support schools across Cambridgeshire.
Governors are crucial to help schools navigate all aspects of school life, while maintaining a focus on learning, and the provision of a high-quality education.
The campaign by Cambridgeshire County Council will combat the shortage by raising the profile of school governance and appealing to parents, carers and all members of local communities to consider becoming a school governor.
The appeal’s purpose is to increase the number of school governors, from both inside and outside the educational sector. The aim is to create a waiting list of applicants, so that as vacancies come up, they can be easily filled.
School governors hold school leaders to account for the performance of the school. They are there to evaluate staff decisions, challenging, asking questions where necessary, and supporting and encouraging where possible.
Each school differs slightly, but there are usually between six and eight two-hour meetings a year, with reading and preparation required in advance. There are around two school visits a year, lasting approximately half a day. There may also be some committees and working groups. In total, governance can take between five and eight hours per month.
Communities rely on the quality of their local schools for the education available to their children. When schools are functioning well, children can access the skills they need to gain qualifications, opening up opportunities for their adult lives, which in turn, benefits communities.
There is no one type of person suited to school governance, and governing boards are better when they reflect the diverse communities they serve. A range of relevant training is provided to support governors in their role and make the most of everyone’s commitment, so no prior experience is needed. While the staff remain the educational experts, governors ask questions about the impact of leaders’ decisions and policies, scrutinise budgets and school data, and help support the school through the challenges of the education landscape.
In return for governors’ time and commitment, they become part of a thriving school community. There are rewarding opportunities to develop skills and gain experience, such as strategic planning, chairing, financial planning, and team working, all of which are valued by employers. Governance can help people’s career development and add to a sense of achievement and lifelong learning.
Councillor Bryony Goodliffe, Chair of the Children and Young People Committee said: “I wholeheartedly welcome this campaign. Every child deserves access to a high-quality education, and the job of governors is to hold schools accountable for the education they provide. Governors play a vital part in ensuring accountability for pupils’ educational outcomes and wellbeing, effective use of school funds and setting and pursuing a clear and ambitious vision for every pupil.”
“The work done by school governors makes such a big difference to the lives of our children and it’s an opportunity for people to give something back to their communities. Getting involved with your local school community as a governor is an extremely fulfilling way to do that, and I encourage everyone to consider doing this.”
To become part of a Governing Body and make a positive impact on children’s learning and achievement, get in touch:
https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/children-and-families/schools-learning/school-governors
