Would you like to become a school governor?

Would you like to play a more active role in the life of our school?

Vacancies for parent governors and community governors arise from time to time and we always welcome hearing from you if you are interested in either role.  Being a school governor is a challenging and rewarding role and our governors have a real part to play in making our school successful and supporting our children by putting them at the heart of everything we do.  

There is more information about the role of governors in the Our Role section of our website.  Being a governor is a voluntary role.   No special qualifications are needed; the most important thing is to have a keen interest in the school and be prepared to play an active part in the governing body’s work.

What do governors do?

Governors support the school in achieving the best outcomes for all our pupils.  They monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making and act as a source of challenge and support to the headteacher.  Governors usually take one or more 'link governor' roles, focusing on particular areas of school life on behalf of the whole board. 

How much time does it involve?

The average time commitment is about four hours per month but it does vary from month to month.  Typically, this includes:

• Preparing for and attending meetings.  We meet 4 times a year, usually on an evening from 5:30pm to approximately 7:30pm.  Before meetings, there are some documents that will need reading such as policies and reports.    

• Taking part in occasional school visits and meetings with teachers during the school day and writing up brief notes to report back. 

• Supporting some of the school's activities in an informal way to get to know the school

Is any training needed?

You don't need any specific training to be a governor.  However, you will be expected to take part in some induction training to help you understand your role and develop your knowledge and skills.  There is also some essential training every year, including safeguarding and data protection.   Most training is online but some in person training will also be available as relevant to role.

How long will my role last?

The term of office for a governor is four years. You can resign before your term is finished.   

Interested?

If you are interested in becoming a governor, please read the information below 'Could you become a governor?' which gives more information about being a governor and the important information on 'Eligibility' which outlines the circumstances under which someone cannot serve as a governor. All governor appointments are subject to statutory appointment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

Perhaps you feel you could not commit to being a full governor but have skills that you could share with us?  We are always interested in welcoming associate governors who can offer their expertise to support particular aspects of school life.  

Parent Governor appointments

Vacancies are advertised.  Appointment of parent governors is usual by election.

Community (Co-Opted) Governor appointments

Community governors are also known as co-opted governors as they are appointed by the governing body.   Community/co-opted governors are appointed for the skills they can contribute to the governing body. The school has an appointment process for community governors which includes completing an application form, having a short interview and visiting the school.  This provides an opportunity for both you and the school to make an informed decision about your potential appointment.  The school will also take up references before confirming their decision to appoint.

Applications & more information

If you would like some more information about becoming a governor and what it involves, please contact our Chair of Governors, Mr Martyn Bowler (MBowler@abbey.notts.sch.uk) or the Headteacher, Mr Neil Harris office@abbey.notts.sch.uk to discuss.