Talk to me about being a governor.

[Galena]

So there is a vacancy for a governor at DD's school. I am considering it, but am unsure what is involved. I have contacted the chair of governors asking for more information, but was wondering if anyone could give me an idea of what is involved...

Hard work but enjoyable I think sums it up.
Governors are described as a school's critical friend. They work at a strategic rather than operational level. So agreeing budgets, interviewing new staff, checking cohorts of children are progressing correctly and if not - why not/what is being done to rectify the issue etc.
I spend a lot of time sifting through data to see how the school/pupils are progressing (But I do have responsibility for data). We have twice termly meetings of a couple of hours each.I try and get into school once a term to review my subject (numeracy) area - see it being taught discuss the numeracy policy and strategy etc.
Other governors have responsibility for special needs, health and safety (need to annual risk assessment), headteacher pay review etc etc so quite a bit of responsibility.