School Governors- of value or just getting under everyone's feet?

[jennylamb1]

I've been a school governor for about 5 years. I've always enjoyed it previously because I feel as if I'm giving something back and I have had a lot of experience working in education so think that I can be useful in the role.The school also had a positive culture and the governing body were nice people.
Recently however, I have felt as if, particularly staff in the office, are unfriendly towards us, find us an encumbrance and that there is an atmosphere. Asking to borrow a stapler to prepare paperwork for a governors day seems to be really putting people out. I know that schools are under a huge amount of pressure, however we are giving our time voluntarily and looking to support the school. In speaking to teachers when preparing reports I always ask how we can help reduce workload and support wellbeing and look to follow up on their responses for instance.
Should I just give it up if not appreciated?

@Hedgerow2 I was referring to meetings that I have with staff as Chair/ Link. I always try to bring something. They're giving up time to speak to me and a couple of biscuits is the least I can offer in return

How expensive are these biscuits that they tip into lady bountiful territory. It's 45p for a pack of bourbons, right?

If I worked in a school office and a governor thought I'd be grateful for a 45p pack of bourbons I'd be insulted!

Ah I see. But taking biscuits to a meeting with staff is still different to taking them into the office.

Aww, I do work in a school office, we always accept biscuits in the intended spirit.

I'm a semi retired solicitor, been a governor for 30 years at various schools and now doing a spot of clerking because they're desperate in my area. Despite being one myself I find middle aged professionals are often the worst governors. They don't prepare, love the sound of their own voice, tell the head how to run the school and are used to people saying how high when they say jump. They will not listen to my legal and procedural advice and think they can do exactly as they like. Not all I should stress.

But almost all the younger governors I've worked with are fabulous, eager to learn, go on lots of training, read the documents and ask all the right questions.

Problem is that when you have a board dominated by the first group the second group tend to run a mile so there can be an awful imbalance.

As for biscuits, I've always found they are very welcome everywhere! Also I've never had any issues with admin staff.

@BeautifullyPresented That is absolutely right. It ends up being dominated by a few.

I am mystified what school office staff do for individual governors. I always said hi after they opened the door for me. What else would they do for a governor. For the head - yes. For me? Cannot think of anything beyond their role and JD.