Thank you for your interest in becoming a school governor in Cardiff. Schools are important and continually changing organisations and being a governor can be a fascinating and worthwhile experience.
What kinds of people make good governors?
Governors bring a variety of experiences into the governing body from many different backgrounds. The strength of a school governor lies not only in detailed knowledge or educational expertise but in other qualities and life-skills, such as tact, judgment, common sense, a belief in raising standards and a real commitment to the pupils, staff and community.
What do school governors do?
Being a governor is challenging but rewarding. Governors need to have time to dedicate to their role, to be prepared to make challenging decisions, act with the very best of intentions and confidentially at all times, and to make sure their decisions are followed up. Key roles include:
- Determining the overall direction, aims, policies and priorities of the school;
- Monitoring performance and promoting high standards of educational achievement, attendance and behaviour, including the rigorous review of performance data;
- Acting as a “critical friend” and setting targets by which progress for pupil achievement can be measured;
- Ensuring that all learners have access to a broad and balanced curriculum and that all statutory requirements are met;
- Involvement in all staffing processes including pay, staff appointments, performance management, suspension, disciplinary issues and dismissal, grievances;
- Looking after the well being and safeguarding of learners