School governors provide strategic leadership and accountability in schools. Governors work with the headteacher and senior leaders to make important decisions about:

• the school's vision, ethos and strategic direction
• educational performance of pupils and the quality of teaching
• financial planning and ensuring money is well spent
• safeguarding and wellbeing of all pupils
• making sure school policies are effective

What does the role involve?

Governors typically:

• attend full governing board meetings (usually 4 to 6 per year)
• serve on committees focusing on specific areas like finance or curriculum
• visit the school to gain a direct understanding of its work
• review reports and data about school performance
• ask questions and provide constructive challenge
• undertake training to develop Governance knowledge and skills
• contribute approximately 10 to 15 hours per term

What skills or experience do I need?

Governors come from all walks of life and everyone has a skill they could offer. These  include:

• ability to work as part of a team
• professional experience from any sector
• good communication and listening skills
• commitment to personal learning and development for your Governor’s role
• analytical thinking and questioning ability
• interest in education and children's futures

Eligibility and how to become a school governor

To be a school governor at a School in Bexley, you must:

• be aged 18 or over
• pass essential safeguarding checks
• be committed to the role and your school's success
• have time to attend meetings, training and daytime visits to school

If you think this may be of interest to you, please complete the following form and one of the team will be in touch.

Enquire about becoming a School governor

Time off work

By law, employers must give employees who are school governors in maintained schools ‘reasonable time off’ to carry out their duties. The employee and employer must agree on what is ‘reasonable time off’. Employers may give time off with pay, but do not have to do so.

For further information, please see time off work for public duties (GOV.UK)