Join Our Governing Body: Co-opted Positions Available

We are seeking to co-opt community members and school parents onto the Garden Suburb Schools’ Governing Body. These voluntary positions do not require an election; instead, the board of governors invites members of the community and school parents to apply.

Becoming a governor can develop different transferable skills, such as leadership and team building. A governor does not have to be directly linked to education. On the governing board there should be many key figures who play an active role. Having a governor who is separate from education can offer a fresh insight and different perspective, which can allow broad and representative decisions to be made on behalf of the school.

We value and celebrate the cultural diversity of our school community and we welcome applications that reflect this.

Governor Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Direction: Ensure clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction.
2. Accountability: Hold school leaders accountable for educational performance and staff management.
3. Financial Oversight: Oversee the financial performance of the school to ensure funds are well spent.

Desired Skills:

• Finance/Accounting
• Human Resources
• Computing/ICT/Management Information Systems (MIS)
• Data Analysis
• Law
• Education
• Communications/Public Relations/Marketing

However, we welcome applications from anyone interested in contributing to our school’s success. Full training is provided, and governors are encouraged to attend regular training sessions.

Commitment:

• Approximately six full governing body meetings per year (usually Thursday evenings, 6pm-8pm).
• Around six committee meetings per year (typically held during the day, possibly online for around 1-1.5hours).
• Occasional school visits during the day.

Eligibility/Essential Criteria:

• Must be 18 or over.
• Cannot be an elected member of the local authority.
• Must pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (arranged by the school).
• Must be willing to engage in relevant training and follow the governors’ code of conduct, which will be emailed to prospective governors.

Please email office@gsis.barnetmail.net (Infant School) or office@gsjs.barnetmail.net (Junior School) if you wish to arrange a conversation with one of the headteachers and/or current governors to learn more about the role, and to request a nomination form.  To learn more about being a school governor please follow this link to the National Governance Association. 

Nomination forms should be returned to the school by email, using the email subject title ‘Co-opted Governor Application’

Applicants may be invited to meet members of the Governing Board during the selection process. Appointments will be made following review of all applications and approval by the Governing Board.