Parent Governor Application

[Pinkpig74]

I am seriously considering applying for the role of parent governor. This is the first time I've done anything like this so I'd welcome any feedback on my personal statement. I realise it might end up being a popularity contest but I want to give it a good shot! Thanks.

My name is xxxxxx and I am mum to xxxxxx (Year One) and xxxxxx (due to start Reception in September 2018). With your support, I would be delighted to take on the role of Parent Governor.

If I were to be appointed my aim would be to make a positive and valuable contribution to the Governing Body to ensure that the strategic goals of the school are in the best interests of all children and that the school’s leadership team is appropriately supported, through its policies, procedures and practices, to ensure that each and every pupil can reach their potential.

I will bring a wide and varied skill set to the team, including financial experience and the ability to confidently challenge, asking difficult questions where necessary. As a qualified accountant currently working as an Internal Audit Manager I understand what a strong governance structure looks like and I am also good at listening, remaining objective and working alongside senior management to raise standards.

As a working mum, the decision to apply for this post is not one I’ve taken lightly but I fully understand the commitment, both in time and energy, it will take to be an active member of the Governing Body. I would welcome the opportunity to play a part in the continued success and future development of the school as a representative parent, for the benefit of all the children who are lucky enough to attend our fabulous school now or in the future. Thank you for your support."

Thanks everyone - yes, it's just 50 and I assume it's for the ballot paper rather than for the GB as it's only parents that have a vote so out of the hands of the GB I guess.

Taking on board some of your advice, my 50 words are below. Thanks everyone for your help - any more feedback is very welcome! The closing date is 2nd February so I'll let you know how I get on.

"I have a wide and varied skill set, including financial experience and the ability to confidently challenge where necessary. I am good at listening, remaining objective and working alongside management to raise standards. I would love to be a representative parent for the benefit of all children at the school."

“Wide and varied skills” - saves a word. I might take out “confidently” too. Of course you are confident!

I would try and say what your job is. (Men will!). 50 words is very silly and does not equip parents to make an informed choice. It is not giving the role of parent Governor the status it deserves. This needs to change!

Governing bodies are far more “corporate” than they used to be. They look at endless data and are strategic. They are not making day to day decisions “for the children” but do of course have the education of the children at the centre of decision making.

If you are successful your Chair should talk to you about where your skills are best utilised and give you an induction programme for the GB and let you know about the training you should do. This is usually run by the LA. It is vital you do it in my view.

Looks good though - well done!

The ballot paper on both schools I've been parent governor at allow got only 60 word on the ballot paper. Some key points:

• primarily set your target audience in mind: parents. What does a parent care about over and above anything else? The children. In particular their own child. Say something about your hopes and dreams for the children at the school.

• "I would love to be a representative parent for the benefit of all children at the school" so will every other person on that ballot paper. That's the whole point of going for election, so I'd skip this sentence to save words.

• you have not said "I am an accountant". That is the key skill the GB will be looking for. "Financial experience" could be dealing with petty cash at a local playgroup. Being a working, qualified accountant is a world away from this, so be clear.

• I think it sounds like you are pitching you the Head/Governing Body. But you're not, you're appealing to Jo Average parent at the school. By all means write a similar letter to the GB after the election in you are unsuccessful, they may well want to appoint you as a co-opted governor with your skill set.

Another clerk here ... you sound very well qualified and our governing body would certainly be delighted to have you with that skill set but you are selling yourself to the parents, not the governors. You have clearly done your homework on what governors do but a lot of parents don't have a clue and I wonder if some of what you say is a bit more involved than necessary. Our nomination form has an 80 word maximum and that is what is recommended by the local authority. Good luck.