Volunteers’ Week, 2022: In celebration of school governors & invitation to volunteer
A special message from our Inspiring Governance partner: 1st June marks the beginning of Volunteers’ Week, celebrating the invaluable contribution volunteers make to communities. We extend a special thank you to those who volunteer as school governors, bringing expertise, time, and passion to help schools provide the best educational experience for children and young people.
About the role
Volunteer school governors play a strategic role in shaping the lives of the next generation. Anyone over 18 can apply—no specific qualifications are required, and training and support frameworks are provided to help you succeed.
As Juliet Flynn, a staff member at CCCU, shares: “My absolute favourite part of the role is spending time in school: joining in with classes or canteen lunches; sitting in the staff room and chatting; or meeting with the school leaders to discuss ideas and plans. Others will find the more formal processes, meetings, and financial responsibilities motivating. There are different opportunities to meet your own interests and expertise.”
The role is varied and offers experience operating at board level. Post-pandemic, there is a national shortage of governors, and schools would welcome skills such as:
- The ability to challenge, ask questions, and seek solutions
- Planning and project management
- Collaboration and teamwork to achieve common goals
Benefits
Volunteering as a school governor can help you reach your career goals by:
- Supporting you in gaining confidence
- Showing how you can make a difference
- Providing opportunities to meet new people and be part of a community
- Developing your skills
- Offering the chance to take on a new challenge
Beyond improving employability, volunteering offers a rewarding experience and the chance to give back.
To learn more or register for opportunities, visit Inspiring Governance. Already a governor or newly appointed? Join the School Governors at CCCU Teams channel. For questions, contact Charlotte Goode at charlotte.goode@canterbury.ac.uk.