‘Urgent’ need for school governors

At the start of the 2012 autumn term, there were 511 governor vacancies in Notts schools which is 10.7 per cent of the total number of governors required. The national average is 10.3 per cent.

Schools in Bassetlaw are above the national average and are urging more parents to come forward to stand in forthcoming school governor elections.

Leonie Meikle, Notts County Council’s governor services manager, said that governors make an enormous difference to the performance and attainment of a school.

“There are currently 104 vacancies in Bassetlaw which is 12.9 per cent of the governors required,” she said.

“We have recently looked at a number of issues around governors, particularly the retention levels, and how we can attract governors from a wide variety of backgrounds.”

Among recommendations proposed by the council are better information, advice and guidance for new governors which includes providing a recruitment pack.

The authority also recommends improving publicity around the role by linking into other events and a more prominent website presence, as well as reducing paperwork and bureaucracy and recruiting from ethnic and disability groups.

Coun Philip Owen, committee chairman of children and young people’s services said: “A school runs well when it has an effective and pro-active governing body.”

“The most important role of a governing body is to ensure pupils are getting the best education possible.”

A governor’s role includes monitoring budgets, appointing senior staff including head teachers and making decisions on the future of the school.

No formal qualifications are necessary and anyone who is aged 18 or over and has six to eight hours per term to spare is invited to apply.

Added Leonie: “The most effective governing bodies consist of governors with a blend of experiences, from different cultures and age groups, so whatever your background you could add enormous value to a local school.”

If you are interested in finding out more about vacancies in Nottinghamshire schools please contact Governor Services on 0115 8546054 .