What would you look for in a parent governor?

[onthebus]

We have an election for parent governor at our school. we have 3 very different candidates with different skills and plus points.

Which made me realise that I have no ideas what desirable qualities in a parent governor are. What would you look for?

Although its not exactly the question you're asking as a governor myself I would want someone who is prepared to pull their weight. There is nothing worse than someone who has grand aspirations to "change everything" but wont actually do any of the nitty gritty work. Or the alternative they have a mission to change one particular thing that is relevant to their child and aren't really interested in improving the school for everyone. I am happy to chair committees, rewrite policies, write reports and generally get my hands dirty so anyone who would be likely to join in and actually offer a working contribution to the governing body would get my vote.

In addition to webwiz's comments, I think a parent governor has to be able to look at the strategic view, and work well in committees.
It's not enough just to be passionate, you have to be able to persuade others to your pov, and accept they may not agree with you!

Honestly, some of the best and most committed people are fantastic parent helpers, but won't necessarily make a good governor.

Someone who is interested in gathering other people's point of view - a good listener.
Someone who won't be bullied into making a decision or be shouted down by the Head.
Someone who isn't pushing a single issue. Someone who is around often or is willing to keep in touch with the parents in another way.

and above all else some one who is willing to learn!

Someone who told me to set up a direct debit for a fiver a month in exchange for never ever ever having to go to a school fair.

I'd vote for someone who is decisive and who is able to let their own personal soapbox issues lie for the sake of the school.

Someone who isn't so obviously only interested in their own child and therefore no one else's.

Someone who pulls their weight.

Someone who actually comes to meetings.

Someone who can give a differing opinion politely, and listen to the answer.

I think probably someone who is fully aware what the role entails, it's not just about turning up for meetings.

They need to be able to support and challenge the headteacher. So they have to be able to have a constructive relationship with the headteacher.

They have to be able to see the good and the bad points about the school.