Westfield School is seeking to recruit community governors. Might you be the person we are looking for to add value to our school and improve the chances and outcomes for our young people?

What does a Governor do?

The main tasks of the school Local Governing Body (LGB) are:

• To ensure the school has a clear vision, ethos and strategic direction.
• To hold the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its students.
• To oversee the financial performance of the school and ensuring its money is well spent.

The role is often described as being a ‘critical friend’ - offering support whilst not being afraid to question and challenge, holding the leadership to account. Being a governor is a voluntary (i.e. unpaid) position. However, you can choose to claim travel expenses.

How much time does it take?

Governors attend the following meetings:

• A full meeting of the LGB three times a year, which usually take place via online video conferences or at Westfield School.
• One or two sub-committee meetings every term, which usually take place via online video conferences or at Westfield School.

They also allow time to:

• Read the papers before meetings and to plan any questions or comments you wish to make during the meeting.
• Undertake training for the role. Much of this can be via online courses, but there are also opportunities to attend courses in person.
• Undertake additional daytime activities. These are not compulsory, as we appreciate that governors have other commitments. These could include helping on specific projects, sitting on interview panels or attending a school event.

What skills and experience do you need?

Above all else, you need to want to make a difference to our young people’s lives. If you have experience of governance or education, that is useful, but not essential as full training and support is given. This will include in-house mentoring and support from the governing body members as well as access to external governor training.

Please note that this is a strategic, rather than operational role, working within the parameters of the LGB and its Scheme of Delegation within the Trust. The Governing Body also consists of representatives from the staff and parents/carers. This ensures we have a wide range of skills and experiences.

We would always encourage people wanting to make a difference by taking an active role in the governance of our school to get in touch.

What are the benefits of being a governor?

As a governor, you can make a meaningful difference to your local community and give something back. You will expand your network through joining our LGB of skilled local professional people. You can also gain the opportunity to develop your existing professional skills with an organisation that really benefits from them, and you can gain valuable experience for your own development.

Who is eligible to be a Community Governor?

Anyone! Community Governors don’t need to have a prior connection with the school.

What happens next?

If you want to put yourself forward for a Community Governor position, please complete the application form. We will then be in touch with you to arrange a phone conversation to discuss your application.

Want further information?

If you would like further information, please contact info@chorustrust.org.