I have beeen asked to consider becoming a school governor, (primary school).
Any one done it?
What’s the deal?
Should I run a mile?
How much free time do you have?
Considering the amount of time I spend posting bollocks on here the answer must be quite a bit.
I do work full time but am considering retiring in about a year.
If it is done properly, yes. Basically it should be a governance role, it will involve at least a meeting every half term with prep for the main board and probably at least one committee with (in our case) a meeting every full term. There is also an expectation of visiting the school fairly regularly to look at stuff in the school improvement plan and a requirement to undertake appropriate training including specific governor safeguarding training.
It would be worth (if you haven’t already) talking to the existing governors to see how you would fit in.
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It also depends what specific roles you might have. E.g. some governors help out with admissions, others with various aspects of programming. These may be more or less time consuming depending. Definitely talk to existing governors and get a feel for their workload.
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Also worth saying what type of school (academy/maintained, religious character etc.) as that may make a difference.
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It is one of the existing governors who has asked me.
Only an email so far so I would need to talk to her, but thought I would find out other people’s experience.
Thanks for the reply
According to Gov.UK it is a ‘Community School’ No religious connection Outstanding grade at last Ofsted report.
Vacancy for Co-opted Governor (not staff or parent).
With Kev’s level of pedantry, you should be asking the school that question 
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This. Most board membership roles like this one rely very heavily on the ability to rub along in the same direction without conflict or misunderstanding. Personality mismatches are the major cause of ineffective boards (over and above capability shortfalls).
Basically you won’t enjoy the role, and they won’t enjoy having you as a member unless you’re reasonably matched. I would find an opportunity to meet with a decent number of them in as informal a situation as you can, and use that to guide you.
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Maybe you shouldn’t. They probably want to keep that grade. 
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Let’s hope the grammar department is up to snuff.
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It is also going to be worth checking that you can get on with the ethos and approach of the school. Some schools take on the no excuses automaton approach of Katherine Birbalsingh, ours very much doesn’t with good reason.
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Good point.
This makes quite good reading though
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Runs away. When you get there hide.
If you know a bit about education and like a committee then might be alright. Fuck it right off otherwise.
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This, would be my advice.
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Unpaid stress and hassle is OK if there is another kind of fulfillment attainable. Whats the motivation here Kev?
Someone I know and respect has asked me.
That at least deserves some consideration.
There is a commitment required but I am not sure that counts as stress and hassle.
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I became a governor in my daughter’s first term at Primary School, she’s now 27 and I’m still there.
If you have a good head then it’s almost a formality really. If the head and the school are underperforming then it can be a challenge.
It can be very difficult to attract non parents to the role but it is important to get a diverse mix on the board. Your experience and independence would be an asset to the school. I would suggest having a meeting with the head and the chair, have a tour of the school and see how you feel.
Happy to have a chat sometime if you have any questions.
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That’s probably the only thing that would motivate me to be honest
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