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Could You Be A School Governor?
The number of vacant local authority governor positions in Leicestershire has been reduced from 100 (14.9%) to 30 (4.5%). The national average is a 10.5% vacancy rate.
Leicestershire County Council launched the campaign earlier this year. It aimed to raise the profile of a need for more governors by advertising in the local media and through posters and leaflets available in libraries and other community venues.
Ivan Ould, Leicestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for the Children and Young People’s Service, said: “The response we have received has been fantastic and I am delighted that more people want to influence what is happening in their schools.
“Governors have a tremendously important role. Schools with a full complement of governors, with a variety of skills, have helped to drive forward the continuing improvement in standards at our schools.”
Marie Feeley has been a governor at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Loughborough for five years.
She said: “Being a governor is one of the most worthwhile things I have ever done. It is sometimes challenging but also very rewarding.
“I would definitely encourage other parents or members of the local community to become school governors.”
There are still vacancies at schools across the county and Leicestershire County Council encourages anyone with an interest in becoming a school governor to come forward.
The County Council holds induction sessions to give an initial overview of a governor’s role and responsibilities. This is then followed up with ongoing training to keep governors up to date with new legislation and initiatives.
School governors are unpaid and do not need any special qualifications – enthusiasm and commitment are most important.
To find out more about becoming a school governor, please visit the County Council’s website at: www.leics.gov.uk/governors or call 0116 305 6435. Alternatively, people can contact their local school.