Being an academy governor is a hugely rewarding form of voluntary work. Our governors make a real difference to our children and their local community, by actively contributing to the success of the academy.
All our governors are given access to ongoing training, resources and personal development. You will be able to gain expertise which is transferable to your own professional life, together with gaining a better understanding of the education system.
Each academy has an Academy Committee whose governors’ oversee academy improvement, performance and identity. These committees work closely with their senior principal/principal to monitor the day-to-day running of the academy, ensuring the improvement plan is carried out to the highest standards. Each Academy Committee feeds directly into the Governance and Partnership Board Sub-committee.
Governors form a crucial part of an academy’s success, offering peer support and challenge to leadership teams. All of our established committees are highly valued and encouraged to work closely with those that lead and manage them.
Governors offer their time voluntarily. Becoming a governor within an academy will mean a commitment for a period of four years. Each year you will be expected to attend four board meetings, and sit on at least one portfolio which meets twice a term. Meetings are held on weekdays, either early morning or late afternoon. Additionally, governors may be asked to participate on various panels. All governors are linked to a faculty or specialism within the academy, often drawing on their own experience or knowledge.
Our Academy Committees consist of governors from all walks of life and usually fall into one of five categories:
To be eligible as an academy governor you must be over 18 years of age and not have been declared bankrupt. There are no particular qualifications or requirements other than a willingness to give time to the role and a capacity for working with other people.
Any particular skills of experience our governors have will always be utilised wherever possible, to enable the academy, its students, staff and community to benefit from this knowledge.
To find out more about becoming a governor, please contact Alison Elway, Head of Governance Services, at aelway@dalp.org.uk