Governors play a key role in leading, supporting and improving schools, and becoming one can be a rewarding experience.
We're always looking for people interested in becoming a governor, so please find out more and get in touch if you'd like to apply.
We're keen to make sure Bristol's governors reflect the city's diverse population of our city. We welcome applications from everyone, whatever your background, skills or experience.
What governors do
Governors belong to a governing board; a group of volunteers who work with school leaders to bring about improvement.
They're responsible for setting the strategic goals, while the headteacher implements them and manages the day to day running of the organisation. Governors:
- ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- hold executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils
- hold executive leaders to account for the effective and efficient performance management of staff
- oversee the financial performance of the organisation and make sure money is well spent
You can find out more about governors' responsibilities in the DFE Governance Handbook.
What you need to commit to
If you become a governor you need to:
- take part in regular governors' meetings, usually six times a year with extra committee meetings
- spend some time on training and getting to know the school
- occasionally sit on appointments panels or panels that handle staff or pupil discipline issues or complaints against the school
What you can get out of it
By committing a small amount of time each month, you'll have the satisfaction of becoming part of a team with free training to build skills you can use elsewhere.
Supported by free training
You'll get full training and you'll always act as part of a team. You don't need particular experience or qualifications, and anyone over 18 can apply.
How to apply
If you have school governor experience
If you have significant experience of school governance such as Chair of Governors, email the Bristol Governor Development Service: gds@bristol.gov.uk
If you're a business or employee
Bristol needs more volunteers from the business sector to join school governing boards. If you have business skills and professional qualities that could help drive up school standards, or if your business would like to start a school governance programme:
pdf Find out more about what we are asking of businesses (4.66 MB)
Register at our 'Be A Governor in Bristol' page
If you're new to school governance
If you have no school governance experience you can register with either of these charitable organisations:
Both provide an online service to match volunteers with schools in their area with governor vacancies.
You'll need to complete an application form and give details of any relevant skills and experience.
If you're successful in being appointed as a school governor, you'll need to have a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Contact
Call: 0117 903 6900
Email: gds@bristol.gov.uk