There are more than 2,000 governors involved in 192 schools in East Sussex. Maybe you could join them?
This is a challenging and rewarding role for anyone who wants to help children do better at school, cares about the education children receive, and wants to strengthen links between schools and their community. To find out what would be expected of you, see our page what do governors do?
Every school has a governing body which is made up of:
- parent governors, elected by other parents with children at the school
- staff governors, elected by school staff
- LA governors, appointed by the Local Authority
- community governors, chosen by the governing body from the community, including local businesses
- foundation governors in church schools and some other types of schools, appointed by the church.
What qualifications do governors need?
There are no formal qualifications. Schools need volunteers with experience of life. The one essential requirement is an interest in, and commitment to, the education of children. Governors are ordinary people, drawn from many areas of society. They need to be able to devote time to getting to know the school well and be available to support and challenge it.
A governor must be a good listener, and someone who is able to read and take in information easily. A governor must be able to:
- raise questions and take part in discussion and decision-making
- be discreet, open minded and fair
- be a source of ideas and a good communicator
- be enthusiastic about the work of the school
- be prepared to work as part of a team.
Whilst schools are keen to welcome applications from all areas of society, there are certain criteria that have to be met before your application can be accepted. Find out more about school governor selection criteria.
How long do governors serve?
The usual term of office is four years. However, governors are volunteers who can leave at any time and can similarly be re-appointed or re-elected.
What kinds of help and support are available?
A great deal of professional advice and support is available to help governors with their duties and responsibilities.
- East Sussex Governor Services provide a comprehensive induction programme.
- Governors are also supported by the headteacher, the chair of governors and senior staff employed in the Children's Services Authority.
- National Governor organisations run by governors for governors, including a wide range of advice and guidance for governors online.
A national governor telephone helpline: 0800 722 181
How do I apply to become a school governor?
Please see our page on applying to become a school governor.
East Sussex County Council