There are more than 1,000 school governors in the City of Wolverhampton, but with a number of current vacancies more are urgently needed and so the City of Wolverhampton Council is celebrating International Volunteers Day today (Tuesday) by encouraging people to volunteer for this important role.
As members of governing boards, governors support the headteacher and senior staff in achieving their and their school's aims. There are a variety of roles to choose from, based on the needs of each school and governing board.
All new governors are fully supported by the City of Wolverhampton Council with free training and resources provided, and there are regular governor forums at which people can meet others carrying out similar roles.
Councillor Claire Darke, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education, said: "School governors are an incredibly valuable asset, supporting and encouraging their schools to achieve their full potential.
"We currently have 91 vacancies across the City and we're encouraging anyone who is motivated and committed to transforming their communities to apply.
"Not all of our governors have experience in education, and it's important to bring together wider skills, knowledge and experience to provide a strong governing body which will help ensure the children get the best education possible.
"Although being a governor is a voluntary role, it is hugely rewarding - both in terms of the individual's personal and professional development, and also in the satisfaction governors get from seeing their local schools thrive."
Charlotte Harding, a governor at Warstones Primary School, said: "I wanted to become a governor to support my community. I felt I could offer my time and experience to my local school and in return I knew I would get the satisfaction of contributing to raising the education standards of our young people.
"As well as helping the school, I was able to further develop valuable career skills, which really enhanced my CV."
Alison Grennan, Headteacher at St Luke's C E Aided Primary School, said: "A strong governing body is paramount in helping the school to reflect and move forward with their aims and aspirations.
"Effective governors provide school leaders with support, guidance and challenge where necessary which is beneficial for the whole school. Being a school governor is very rewarding and this is reflected in the knowledge that they are having a positive impact on school life for the pupils, staff, parents and carers and the wider community."
For more information about becoming a school governor, please visit Type=articles;Articleid=2553;Title=School Governance in Wolverhampton;, or contact Rebecca Fletcher, School Governance and Workforce Co-Ordinator at the City of Wolverhampton Council, by calling 01902 554137 or emailing rebecca.fletcher@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
International Volunteers Day 2017, celebrated each year on 5 December, recognises the contribution of volunteers worldwide and promotes their commitment to making a difference to their communities. Every year, millions of people volunteer their time, skills and expertise to make a positive impact to their communities.
- released: Tuesday 5 December, 2017