Become a School Governor with the Ashington Learning Partnership

The Ashington Learning Partnership has vacancies for Parent Governors as well as co-opted Governors to join our friendly and committed governing body. Our governors come from a range of different backgrounds, skills and experience but all share a common interest of wanting the best possible education for the children in our schools. Governors are essential for the effectiveness and success of Central and Bothal Primary Schools, and it is an extremely rewarding and fulfilling role. All school Governors serve a 4-year term. They act as a ‘critical friend’, working voluntarily to strategically oversee the running of our schools.

We would be delighted to hear from anyone who: -

• Is interested in children’s education and the performance of the schools
• Is community spirited and would like to represent the community
• Has spare time and the energy for the role
• Is able to work well as part of a team
• Has an enquiring mind and the confidence to ask questions and debate issues that affect the school
• Can consider matters objectively and make informed judgements.

These volunteer positions are open to parents/guardians or other people from our community. Co-opted governors are not elected by a parent election but are instead appointed directly by the governing body.

What is the role of the governing body?

• Governors help to shape, set and review the strategic direction of our schools and agree targets for improvement.
• Governors hold the Executive Headteacher and school leaders to account for the educational performance of our schools and our pupils.
• Governors oversee the financial performance of our schools and make sure public money is well spent.

What does the role offer?

• Volunteering as a School Governor is a great opportunity to develop your own personal skills; gain leadership experience at board level as well as transferable skills that enhance performance and employability.
• A sense of achievement in helping make a difference to children reaching their potential
• The support and guidance from fellow governors
• Most of all, you will have the satisfaction of making a real difference to children’s lives and helping them to realise their potential.

In looking to fill these vacancies we are particularly interested in applications from people with
backgrounds in Education, Finance, HR, Legal or business experience, although please do not be put off if you do not have these skills. What is more important is enthusiasm, interest and the willingness to learn. The time commitment of a Governor involves attending approximately six meetings per year as well as visiting the schools, monitoring activities and undertaking appropriate training to support you in the role.

If you are interested or know of somebody else who would be, please express your interest by emailing
angie.dyer@alptrust.co.uk with your contact details and one of the team will contact you for an informal chat about the role.