Vacancy for Parent Governor 

We are writing to invite parents to apply for the vacancy we have on our local governing body.  To be eligible to apply you must be a parent to a current pupil at Central CE academy and over the age of 18. 

What’s involved? 

Parent governors play a very important role in keeping the local governing body aware of the views from the parental perspective. They are a vital part of our team and I hope that there are parents willing to give their time and commitment to this important role.  The local governing board meets 10 times per year.  Meetings are held for 2 hours during the day.

Being a governor allows you to see things from the academy's perspective and see how the academy is managed. You would also gain an in-depth understanding of how decisions are made, while playing an integral part in deciding what happens within the academy. You will also have the opportunity to develop your skills, both personally and professionally, gaining experience in the following areas: 

• Strategic planning 
• Experience on a board 
• Holding senior leaders to account 
• Finance, and maintaining oversight of school budgets 

• Human resources and performance management  
• Project management 
• Marketing 
• Communication and teamwork 
• Decision making 

Do I need any qualifications to apply? 

There are no formal qualifications - volunteers are needed with experience of life.  The one essential requirement is an interest in, and commitment to, the education of children.

Governors are ordinary people, drawn from many areas of society. They need to be able to devote time to getting to know the school well and be available to support and challenge it. 

A governor must be a good listener, and someone who is able to read and take in information easily. A governor must be able to: 

• raise questions and take part in discussion and decision-making 
• be discreet, open minded and fair 
• be a source of ideas and a good communicator 
• be enthusiastic about the work of the school 
• be prepared to work as part of a team.  

Whilst schools are keen to welcome applications from all areas of society, there are certain criteria that have to be met before your application can be accepted. This is attached for your information. 

How long do governors serve? 

The usual term of office is four years. However, governors are volunteers who can leave at any time and can similarly be re-appointed or re-elected.  

Is there any support available? 

A great deal of professional advice and support is available to help governors with their duties and responsibilities, along with a training available from DCAT and the Diocese. 

Interested? 

If you would like to apply for a parent governor role, you will need to complete an application form, which is available from the school office or from DCAT Governance Manager, Jo Saunders.  Please email jsaunders@dcat.academy.  We would also welcome the opportunity to discuss the role and answer any questions or concerns you have.  Please contact myself or Jo.

Should we receive a number of applications then an election for the post may need to be held.  We will keep you informed if this is necessary. 

The closing date for applications is 16^th December 2019.

Whilst schools are keen to welcome applications from all areas of society, there are certain criteria that have to be met before your application can be accepted. This is attached for your information along with further details of what will be expected of a governor.  

Mrs Lisa Hardy

Headteacher