We’ve launched a campaign to recruit governors to help run our city’s schools.
Through nine short videos, existing governors tell viewers why they took on the role, what it involves and the huge rewards and benefits being a governor brings.
Governors, who come from a wide range of backgrounds, work closely with the headteacher and other staff to support the school and ensure it’s being led properly.
Helping schools be the best they can be
They also help set and deliver the school’s objectives and ensure the school is the best it can be for every pupil.
Governors volunteer their time and are likely to attend a number of meetings each school year as well as visiting the school, meeting staff, attending training sessions and getting involved in headteacher recruitment.
Councillor Lucy Helliwell, co-chair of the council’s Children, Families and Schools committee, said: “Being a governor can be an extremely rewarding voluntary role and has a positive impact on the lives of children and young people.
‘More governors are needed’
“Although we already have more than 600 governors in Brighton & Hove schools, we always have a need for more, and we have vacancies at present in various schools throughout the city.”
Councillor Helliwell, who has applied to be a governor at a local school, added: “It’s important governors come from a range of backgrounds to make sure we have different views and ideas.
“We particularly welcome applications from people who are from Black and global majority backgrounds so governing boards can better represent the pupils and families in their communities.
Younger people encouraged to apply
“We also encourage younger people between 18 and 40 to apply as this age group is under-represented, and they can often bring fresh ideas to a board.”
Councillor Jacob Taylor, co-chair of the Children, Families and Schools committee, said: “I'm a governor at my old school Longhill High.
“I’m able to use my experience in finance to help the school with its budget while also feeling very committed as an ex-pupil.
Learn new skills while using your own
“I also learn other skills from my fellow governors that I can use in other areas of my life.”
Councillor Taylor added: “I’d encourage everyone to think about becoming a governor as it’s genuinely rewarding and important.”
What our governors say
Dulani
Dulani became a governor because she believed she could bring different perspectives.
"It's been a real learning experience, in the very best way."
Being in the role has given Dulani greater confidence in using her voice on the governing board and elsewhere.
"It gives you an insight into the workings of a school, and a chance also to have an impact."
Charly
Charly, who is a young governor, has experience in the finance sector and wanted to get involved in the local community after moving back to the city.
She comes away from governing board meetings 'invigorated and enthused', especially after a difficult day in the office.
Charly feels a sense of achievement as 'you talk about something completely different and focus on something that really matters'.
Alex
Alex says being a governor has given him 'a chance to practice skills and develop skills that I wasn't necessarily gaining in my traditional working life'.
"I feel like I've made a huge difference to the school, it's given me a real sense of purpose."
Could you be a school governor?
Watch our videos and if you’re interested you can email the Governance Development Team for a list of current vacancies and to find out more about the role.