Thursday 13th February is National School Governors Awareness Day. Join the thousands of volunteers dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people in our community.
School governors and trustees are one of the largest volunteer groups in the country and they dedicate their time to supporting schools to make a difference for children. On National School Governors Awareness Day we recognise the impact of these wonderful volunteers, celebrate their commitment to securing the best possible education for our children, and highlight their important role in the education system.
Why Become a School Governor?
Being a school governor is both challenging and immensely rewarding. It offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people, give back to your community, and hone your skills in a meaningful way. By becoming a school governor or trustee, you’ll gain experiences that may be unavailable in your professional life.
Governors are integral to the effective running of schools. They provide critical strategic oversight, scrutinise and make decisions, and help shape policies that influence the overall direction and success of the school.
Who Can Be a Governor?
Anyone over the age of 18 can become a school governor. While all backgrounds and experiences are valuable, schools particularly benefit from volunteers with expertise in fields such as education, human resources, legal services, health and safety, and finance. This ensures that governing boards have a balanced range of skills and knowledge.
The Role of a Health and Safety Link Governor
One particularly vital role within the governing body is that of the health and safety link governor. This position involves overseeing the school’s adherence to health and safety regulations, ensuring a safe environment for both students and staff. The health and safety link governor works closely with school management to review policies, conduct safety audits, and promote safety throughout the school community. The Responsibilities and Powers document gives more details about the role.
Get Involved Today
If you believe you have the experience or skills to contribute to a governing board, or if you simply want to learn more about the role, we encourage you to get involved, visit the website, email SGS@somerset.gov.uk, or call 0300 7906855 for more information about current vacancies and how you can make a difference.
Join us in shaping the future of education in Somerset—your contribution as a school governor can have a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people in our community.
