Staff governor

[somethinghastogive46]

I'm seriously considering taking this on, nobody would stand against me if I did I don't think.
My reasons:
The area I'm passionate about (Send and SEMH in particular) is often not well understood and valued by the governors so I could maybe make a difference.
I have my eye on SLT positions in the next few years so it's look good on my cv.
I genuinely love the school and want to see it be the best it can be.

Does anybody have any experience or advice? Will it turn into a massive pain in the arse it should I go for it?

Thanks!!

In my experience it could go either way. I've known some staff enjoy it and gain lots from it, and I've known staff do it because they think it ticks a box and will make them look better for promotion. The first group tend to gain the most useful experience and insight. The second group either end up wallowing in stress with all the extra work (usually self inflicted in my opinion) and seem to gain very little as their outlook is what they gain by doing it. The best staff governors I've worked with have been ones who were at a point of staying in one school for a long time.

If you're thinking of remaining in your current school for some time then it could be a good experience for you because you seem passionate about some areas. If you think you're going to be seeking promotion elsewhere in a couple of years, my gut says not to bother.

Thanks for that, yes my motivation is 50/50 so I think I need to tread carefully and ask a few other people before I throw myself in!

Could you consider being a governor in another local school? I was a teacher governor in my first school and I swore never again. Though it was interesting and I did learn a lot.

No I wouldn't really consider that as one of my main motivations is that I love the school I'm working in and want to be part of the process. Being a governor in a random school wouldn't hold any appeal and parent governors at my ds school are a highly competitive role, you have to publish a manifesto and get voted in.

Can I ask why you swore never again though? Was it a very high workload?

I was a staff governor for 5 years and enjoyed it. Just stepped now at the end of July. I was new to teaching, work in an outstanding school but wanted to see what goes on more behind the scenes, offer more representation (I'm an ethnic minority teacher and a pastoral leader). Really enjoyed it. Fortunately, SLT here are pretty great so most meetings were productive and we saw change happen. There is a strong staff body and union presence here and SLT actively feedback on staff governor and union issues. Meetings were half-termly and sub-committee termly and a full governors meeting termly. They did go on for a few hours but I enjoyed it as saw real change happen or at least contribute issues and ideas. Stepped down as felt I have got what I wanted to experience and genuinely have faith that the school works well and is held to account. I personally would say give it a go.

Give it a go. It is interesting to hear more about the leadership of the school. Remember, however, that governors are strategic leaders and they don’t get involved in the day to day running of the school. This takes a bit of getting used to but you’d certainly be able to use your knowledge of SEN to help governors better understand the need for clear policies and procedures.

Hi
Please can you help. I am trying to apply as a staff Governor and have never done this but I feel I would be the right candidate. I just need advice and tips on my application
Thank you