Any chairs of governors about?

[JumpingGiraffe]

Quite a specific question... I'm a Chair of Govs and am applying for jobs after a career break. Who can I ask to be a reference? This has been a big part of my life, and more relevant than my two part time jobs.

I'm assuming I can't ask the Headteacher unless I step down from my post (which I'm not intending to). Can I ask the LA school improvement lead who we've been working closely with? I think they'd would be happy to if it's appropriate.

Chair here.

Why can't you ask the Head? I'd ask my head straight away for a reference, especially if I were applying for a role in education. I'd certainly use them as a personal reference.

I assumed it would be a conflict of interest as I'm one of those who appointed her, reviews her performance, and could be part of removing her if she was underperforming, which she isn't thankfully.

We get on very well personally and work well together so I wouldn't be worried about what she would say.

I kind of see what you're saying. I was part of the HTs appointment panel too, although chairs here don't sit on HT review panels. Given that any reference should be confidential, I'd certainly use a HT not worry about it.

Yes, they are confidential I guess, I can ask her, she can always say no. Am at the LA for a meeting later in the week too so can ask too.

I would have suggested a fellow professional Governor or your suggestion of the leader of the Improvement team. I share your slight concern about the Head for the reasons you describe.