As a governor, you will learn about how the school operates, improve your leadership skills, and make a positive impact on the lives of young people in your community.
To become a governor, you must be at least 18 years old, not be a student at the school, and you cannot hold more than one governorship at the same school. You will also need to pass a DBS check.
Types of governors
- Associate members: These are not governors, but have specific expertise that the governing body can use. They are elected to a committee and may have voting rights as agreed by the governing body.
- Co-opted governors: Appointed by the governing body to represent the community. They can live or work locally and bring various skills and experiences.
- Foundation governors: Appointed by the organisation, authority or trust that established the school to represent their interests. They serve in voluntary aided or voluntary controlled schools.
- Local authority (LA) governors: Nominated by an LA governor nomination panel and appointed by the governing body
- Parent governors: Parents or carers of students at the school. They cannot be governors if they are elected members of the LA or work at the school for more than 500 hours a year. They are elected by other parents and carers. If there are not enough candidates, the governing body can appoint others who may not be parents.
- Partnership governors: Replace foundation governors if a foundation school has no founding body. The governing body seeks nominations from parents and the community.
- Sponsor governors: Appointed by the governing body to represent an organisation that provides services or assistance to the school
- Staff governors: Teaching and support staff who work at the school and are elected by their colleagues
Head teachers automatically become governors but can choose not to take the position. They have the right to attend all governor meetings.
Watch these podcasts on YouTube to see how you can make a difference:
- Become a school governor in Enfield – episode 1
- Become a school governor in Enfield – episode 2
- Become a school governor in Enfield – episode 3
- Become a school governor in Enfield – episode 4
If you're interested in becoming a governor, complete the online application form below.