Elangeni School
Governor Vacancies
At Elangeni, we are passionate about supporting our children to help them reach their full potential. Elangeni Governing Board makes a positive contribution to children’s education by offering supportive challenge to the school’s senior leadership team to help raise standards and monitor resources. The Governing Board operates at a strategic level and is not involved in the day-to-day running of the school. The Board responsibilities include setting strategic direction of the school, monitoring progress against objectives set by Ofsted and ensuring long term financial sustainability. This is done by building a thorough knowledge of the school and its community, by both supporting and constructively challenging the school, and by ensuring accountability and compliance.
What are we looking for?
We are currently looking for new Governors with no current association with the children at the school and would be delighted to hear from anyone who has:
- background in background in HR or marketing fields ,
- interest in the performance of the school.
- desire to contribute to and represent the community.
- open-minded approach and the ability to look at issues objectively
- confidence to ask questions and join in debate.
- willingness to listen and make informed judgements
- ability to work well with others
- about 10 hours a month to spare
We welcome interest from anyone who feels they have the right experience and skills to contribute to the work of the Board.
Why become a governor?
Elangeni Governors are all volunteers who work together for the benefit of the school and are a link between the school and the community it serves. Being a Governor offers a variety of benefits:
- chance to develop skills in strategic management
- opportunity to work with our team of governors and staff in improving our school
- sense of achievement in making a difference to our school
- pleasure of seeing children reach their potential
- access to further training to build on existing skills and develop new ones
What does the Governor role involve?
Governor role is voluntary and is not remunerated. Governors must be prepared to attend, on average, one meeting a month and also need to allow additional preparation and follow up time. Governors will receive an induction and be encouraged to engage in development opportunities, attend school events and take an interest in the wider life of the school.
The expectations of the Elangeni Governors are:
- to attend and contribute to the meetings of the Governors, 6 full governing board meetings each academic year,
- when required, to sit on any committee and attend all associated meetings
- to monitor a subject link area within the school and meet with the staff subject leader termly
- to visit the school formally and informally
- to commit to attending training and development courses
If you are interested to learn more, please contact the Chairman of the Governing Board by emailing Ms Ira Kryvorukova - ikryvorukova@elangeni.bucks.sch.uk
How to Become a Governor
National Governors Association - Be a Governor
About the role
There are over a quarter of a million volunteers governing in state schools in England. By joining them, you can make a valuable contribution to school leadership.
It is a rewarding role, working towards a shared goal of providing a high-quality education for children and young people in your community. It also provides an opportunity for personal development, building your skills and experience in areas such as project management, budgeting and working as part of a senior team.
Governing boards meet regularly to look at the big picture and the school’s long-term goals. They set the culture and values of the school, responding to opportunities and challenges. Governors and trustees work closely with the headteacher, supporting them and challenging them.
Governors typically serve at schools that are maintained by the local authority whereas trustees serve on an academy trust board. They are responsible for:
- developing a vision and strategy for the school
- overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent
- holding the school leader to account to ensure that every pupil has the best possible education
- engaging with pupils, staff, parents and the school community to understand their views
Activities can include:
- attending governing board meetings: these normally take place around six times a year and may be held outside school hours
- looking at information and evidence on the school’s progress and discussing with school leaders
- visiting the school to see plans working in practice, and listening to the views of staff, pupils and parents
- selecting and appointing a headteacher following the resignation of the current headteacher
- making decisions about issues such as pupil exclusions and staff disciplinary matters
- undertaking induction training and ongoing development
Watch this video to learn more about the role
Who can be a governor.
There are no specific qualifications or requirements for the role - every governing board needs a balance and diversity of knowledge, skills and experience. You don't need to be a parent or to have a background in education.
To be eligible to volunteer, you need:
- the time to contribute (altogether, you can expect to spend 10-20 days each year on governance duties, with some meetings and visits taking place during the working day)
- to be aged 18 or over
- not to be disqualified under the relevant rules and procedures
Watch the National Governance Association webinar about who can become a governor
Apply to be a governor
