Help School Children Fulfil Their Potential – Volunteers are needed to step forward and become School Governors or Trustees to help Somerset school children fulfil their potential.
There are currently around 2,900 governors/trustees in Somerset who provide a critical role in ensuring a school or academy runs smoothly and provides the best outcomes for its children, but more are needed.
Somerset County Council is now urging more members of its communities to step forward to take up this rewarding role.
This vital role involves attending at least six meetings each year, normally held in the evening. At these meetings, school governors and trustees offer critical advice and scrutiny of the decisions and policies of the school.
The role also involves visits into the school or academy during the day to understand how things work.
A school governor said: “I decided to become a school governor because it matters. You have real responsibility and a real opportunity to make a difference to real children. Having the means and the opportunity to make good things happen is really exciting. Governance is a really good example of people from different backgrounds coming together for a common goal.”
Councillor David Fothergill, Leader of Somerset County Council, said: “You do not need any experience or qualifications and your personal experiences, whatever they are, will allow you to add value to this position. Becoming a school governor or trustee is a great way to gain experience that might not be available in your working role, see young people and staff progress and develop and spend some of your time doing something immensely rewarding.”
Although all experience is welcome, schools will particularly benefit from volunteers with experience of Human Resources, Legal Services and Finance, helping to ensure that each school or academy has a board with a balance of expertise.
If you feel you have the experience or the skills, or know someone who would be suitable, please get in touch with SSE Governance Services to find out more. Telephone 01823 355757 or email SGS@somerset.gov.uk
Somerset County Council also has hundreds of other volunteering opportunities available – from Rights of Way, to working with children, from libraries to helping the elderly. Check out www.somerset.gov.uk/volunteering for more information.
