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The role of a School Governor

The role of a school governor is to contribute to the work of the governing board in ensuring high standards of achievement for all children and young people in the school by:

  • setting the school’s vision, ethos and strategic direction
  • holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils
  • overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

The role of the school governor can be demanding, but very rewarding. Under usual circumstances, you should expect to spend between 10 and 20 days a year on your governing responsibilities; the top end of this commitment equates to about half a day per week in term time. If you don’t have that time to spare then the role probably isn’t for you. Activities include:

  • Undertaking training in the role. All Birmingham City Council nominated governors are required to undertake induction training.
  • Attending meetings of the governing body of your school, usually outside of school hours.
  • Reading reports and papers and keeping up to date on the progress that the school is making.
  • Visiting the school from time to time during the school day.

All governors must have:

  • a strong commitment to the role and to improving outcomes for children
  • the inquisitiveness to question and analyse;
  • the willingness to learn;
  • good inter-personal skills;
  • appropriate levels of literacy in English (unless a governing body is prepared to make special arrangements);
  • sufficient numeracy skills to understand basic data.

Birmingham City Council also expects all governors serving at maintained schools and Local Authority governors serving on the Governing Body of an Academy to abide by the Nolan principles of public office and to adhere to the requirements of Birmingham City Council’s Model Code of Conduct for Governing Boards.

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