Becoming a Governor

The Governing Body of St Benedict’s Catholic College


Why become a governor?

 

You might become a school governor:

 

  • because you care about the education that children receive
  • because you want to make an important contribution to your local community
  • because you enjoy a challenging and rewarding role
  • because you are keen to help all children do better at school
  • because you want to help to strengthen the link between schools and their communities
     

 

Who are governors?

 

A Governing Body is made up of people from different groups, including parents, school staff, the local authority, people from the local and business community, and usually the Principal.

A governor’s term of office usually lasts for four years

The size of the Governing Body varies from school to school– our Governing Body has 20 governors.

 

What do governors do?

 

School governors:

 

  • are responsible for the strategic management of the school
  • oversee the school’s aims, values and ethos
  • promote high standards of educational attainment
  • set targets for, and monitor pupil achievement
  • take general responsibility for the conduct of the school
  • manage the school’s budget, including deciding how many staff the College will employ and their pay
  • participate in the appointment of the leadership group
  • regulate school conduct and discipline
     

How much time does it take?


Governors act as a team but the amount of time that each of them can give to the role will vary. Some people will be able and willing to give a lot of time throughout their service as a governor. Others will find that the amount of time they can give increases or reduces depending on family and work commitments. But if you are serious about helping our College to help its pupils, then you need to:

 

  • be willing to prepare for meetings - there can be a lot of papers to read.
  • attend meetings - the Governing Body must meet at least once a term, but you will also be asked to serve on at least one committee. How often this meets will  vary, but it is usually once or twice a term.
  • be able to get to meetings - these are often during the evening (we hold most of our meetings early evening and they last around 2 hours), but may be earlier or during the day time.
  • participate - if you cannot prepare for, and attend, meetings it will be difficult for you to carry out your role as a governor
  • visit the school when  the children are there  – most governors will visit several times a year
  • undertake (free)  training-  this will help you understand your roles and responsibilities

 

Can I take time off work?

 

Employers are legally bound to give staff reasonable time off to carry out their duties as a governor. Some allow paid time off work.

 

What will I get out of being a school governor?


You will get:  

 

  •  the knowledge that you have played a part in improving children’s education and supported the school’s staff
  • a chance to develop new skills and to practise existing ones, such as, speaking in groups, asking questions, making suggestions, interpreting data, appointing staff, and monitoring budgets
  • a chance to help other members of the team, perhaps because they are new, they need help in learning about the school and about school governance.
  • most of all you will be able to learn more about our College, its dedicated staff and  wonderful pupils.

 

If you would like any more information about becoming a governor at St Benedict’s please contact Mr Jack Minto via the College j.minto@stbenedicts.essex.sch.uk