National charity School Governors’ One-Stop Shop (SGOSS) is working with local schools in a drive to recruit new volunteer school governors. There are governor vacancies across the county, but several schools in Northampton in particular have vacancies that urgently need filling.

Volunteering to become a school governor in a school is an excellent way to get involved in your local community. School governors do not need to have any special qualifications, have a high-powered job or be a parent – in fact the most important quality is a real desire to help provide children with the best possible education and be willing to work as part of a team. A really good mix of people, from all walks of life, means different viewpoints, skills and fresh ideas for a school’s governing body. Anyone aged 18 or over from any background, who has an average of 2-4 evening meetings per term to spare, can add tremendous value to a school’s governing body.

Today’s schools are increasingly autonomous, placing greater responsibility on the governing body for budgeting, standard-setting and strategic decision-making. A governor’s role is to be a ‘critical friend’ to the head teacher whilst helping with the overall management of the school. School governors gain exposure to a range of areas and have a unique opportunity to develop their own skill set. Training is also available to all new governors.

If you are interested in this challenging and ultimately rewarding role do not hesitate to get in contact with Jack Leech, our Governor Placement Manager at the School Governors' One-Stop Shop, on 020 7288 9538, or email: jack.leech@sgoss.org.uk .  More information about the governors’ role can also be found at www.sgoss.org.uk  along with an online application form.