Parent Governor- help needed with application

[tallulah]

DS2 &3's secondary school is looking for 4 governors. They have had 5 applications, so it is going to a vote, and we have to supply a sort of election address of less than 100 words.

Many years ago I applied to be a governor at the children's primary school, and again there was one more applicant than places & I was the one who didn't get in. All the others were men whose blurb said "I am the Managing Director of X, with 40 years in business & links with this that & the other company." As a lowly Civil Servant not in charge of anyone or anything & no links to anywhere, what do I say?

I would rather be in a situation where there were 8 applicants than feeling that I'll be the only one who doesn't get in. Any tips gratefully received.

i am a governor and i would focus your applic more on the kids and what you can do for them rahter than what you are - you could even self deprecatingly say that at the beginning.

It would hit a chord woth the mUms

I would focus also on your personal qualities - ability to concentrate show the difference between passing on info and gossip(!) etc etc - dont be brow beaten

I agree with codswallop - focus on what they have set out as the criteria and how you meet them. Things like you ability to attend occasions at the school, what skills you can bring to the task in terms of confidentiality, working with children, supporting staff and the head and allowing them to get on and teach.

I imagine as a Civil Servant you could focus on the skills such as time management, ability to work with people in a variety of settings, your felxibility in terms of your job and how that can allow you to attend events at the school, any involvement you have had with the school eg, fundraising activites, sports days etc - something that mr md may not be able to say. THings like dealing with paper work and procedures, working as part of a team, supporting other colleagues.

HTH

I was a governor where I used to live and had to undergo a vote. I focused on my experiences and interest in education and related issues. I also mentioned voluntary work I had done in the past, including some projects with local school children.

Thanks for all your advice. I got a phone call from the school to say that one of the other candidates had dropped out so the rest of us are automatically in! I only hope I'm up to it now.

Congratulations Tallulah - I'm sure you'll do a great job. The LEA do lots of courses and things for visitors, dh went on an "intro to being a governor" last year, and said that was really good, very helpful for him.

Hope you have find it rewarding.

Congratulations Tallulah

Confgrats Tallulah. I am a parent gov at my kids Primary school and mostly I really enjoy it: I just find it hard organising childcare but despite a shortage of time I do want to continue as I love feeling involved and able to do constructive things for the school. Perhaps you could try to get involved in issues related to communications and home school relationships which as an involved parent you will alrady be an expert in? And try to go to the training provided: its excellent in our LEA. Good luck