All schools have a governing body of some sort, albeit with various names depending on the type of school and the country it is in. School governors are the largest volunteer force in the country and most Local Authorities have more school governors than they employ teachers.
Governors play a key role in improving the educational opportunities offered to pupils by working with the headteacher and staff to shape the ethos of the school, raise standards and support the teaching and learning that happens.
Becoming a governor at a local school is one very effective way of supporting that school and offering your expertise for the benefit of the school community.
There are many routes into governing; you may be elected to be a governor as a parent, a teacher or other member of a school staff, or nominated as a representative of the parish church (in a church school), the Local Authority or the local community.
Good practice for being a 'critical friend' means that a governor offers support, constructive advice, is a sounding board for ideas, a second opinion on proposals and help where needed. But a critical friend may also challenge, ask questions, seek information, improve proposals and so seek to arrive at the best solution for whichever issue the school is facing.
Local Authorities (LAs) all offer training opportunities so you don't need to be an expert in education already before you stand for election. Many LAs run governor forums which are useful sources of information and contacts. Contact your LA to find out if there is one in your area. Governing does take time, energy and commitment, but it's a very rewarding and valuable role.
Selflessness
Decisions made by the governing body should be taken solely for the best interest of the school and the children. Decisions should not be made in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family or their friends.
Integrity
The governing body should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.
Objectivity
In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, governors should make choices on merit.
Accountability
Governors are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
Openness
Governors should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands this.
Honesty
Governors have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
Leadership
Governors should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.
Last weekend I watched an incredibly moving drama about the struggle to abolish the slave trade. You could have heard a pin drop. The audience rose to its feet and gave a standing ovation. Many were crying. It was performed by teenagers from a school where I used to be a governor. I was so, so proud! Yesterday, with a team of seven other governors and advisers, I interviewed and appointed a new headteacher for our local primary school. What a responsibility! I was drained at the end of the day, but relieved and delighted with the outcome.
I have been a school governor now for 28 years and yes, it is hard work and demanding, but I thoroughly enjoy it! I originally got involved when I was looking after three small children. One of our children had recently died, and I think the vicar thought being a governor 'would be good for me'. I can only thank him for his wisdom. I see being a school governor as one way in which I can contribute to my local community, use my gifts for the benefit of others, and be salt and light in the world of education - and I am passionate about Christians being involved in education to change it for the good of the children.
I've never banged a drum about the fact that I am a Christian, but since everyone brings some belief system into their governing, whether it's a religious faith or humanist views or a particular political persuasion, I feel free respectfully to say what I think and why I think it.
Governors have a lot of responsibility. I have chaired committees for restructuring staff, school ethos, and curriculum. In my 28 years, I have been involved in dozens of interviews to appoint staff, including 5 headteachers and probably 8 or 9 deputies. Sadly, I have also been involved in disciplinary hearings, one of which involved the death of a pupil in school. That was probably the hardest thing I ever had to do, as the staff concerned were well known to me. When my natural instinct was to pastor, I had to be judge and jury. I am always aware that I can't do this sort of thing in my own strength, and prayer for what I am doing is vital. If there are really difficult decisions, I ask friends to pray for us, as far as confidentiality allows.
What is there to show for the Kingdom of God for my years as a governor? God really is the only one who knows the answer to that, but I hope that where I have been involved, children's educational opportunities have improved, their lives have changed for the better and they have had opportunities to encounter Jesus in some way. I hope that in these schools, Christian faith is respected and maybe better understood, Christian staff and pupils are encouraged and supported, the pupils' spiritual development is recognised as important, the schools have made stronger connections with local churches, other Christians are involved serving the schools in a variety of ways, the schools are supported by prayer, and to a greater extent than would be otherwise, the policies and practices of the schools are based on Christian beliefs.