Volunteer as a school governor

Looking to make the next step up the career ladder? Volunteering as a school governor can help you get there.

What is a school governor?

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, every state school has a governing board, consisting of various types of governors, depending on the type and size of school.

School governors are unpaid volunteers who ensure that schools are meeting their strategic objectives. Governors do not manage the operational day-to-day functions of a school, but oversee its long-term development. This involves:

Working with other board members to plan the school’s strategic direction.
Overseeing the school’s financial performance, ensuring money is well-spent.
Holding the headteacher or school leadership to account.

Over a quarter of a million volunteers are governing state schools in England, they are the largest volunteer force in the country.

Who can become a school governor?

Anyone can be a school governor, as along as you're over 18, show an interest you show an interest in what is happening in education and have enough time to attend governing board meetings and fully commit to the role.

You don’t need to be a parent or education expert to volunteer. Schools require a combination of hard and soft skills to ensure their boards operate effectively. Whether you’re an experienced professional or embarking on the first stages of your career, you will be matched with an appropriate school.

Many Oxford Brookes alumni and staff members volunteer as school governors and find it to be a truly rewarding experience.

“Governance has equipped me with board experience in debating, assessing, and approving (or rejecting) initiatives that support the school's development and growth. You give back to society and grow in a strategic manner, which can help your career as you eventually seek non-executive director roles and senior management opportunities.”

Adeyemi Ladejobi, Oxford Brookes Alumnus

Read Adeyemi's full interview in our alumni magazine >>

What are the career benefits?

You gain a variety of skills

A survey conducted by City of London Governor found that volunteering for governorship helped build respondent's self-confidence, wellbeing, job satisfaction, and motivation. But on top of that, they developed their skills in:

Three quarters of respondents who were in employment said they had gained or developed skills that are valuable in their professional lives.

It gives you networking opportunities

Governing boards should be diverse by design and as a result, present a lot of opportunities for networking and meeting new people who have similar values to you.

Through meeting fellow governors, you have the opportunity to discover fresh ideas, access new information, get career advice, gain new perspectives and potentially advance your career. There will be a wealth of varied knowledge around the table and being at that table enables you to listen and learn from your fellow governors.