What do governors do?

What do governors do?

The job of the governors is strategic – we are responsible for making sure the finances are secure, for developing the vision of the school and for ensuring that the children receive a broad and balanced curriculum, as well as many other things. It is a responsible and fascinating role.

How much time does it take?

The time commitment is significant but not impossible. We have full governing body meetings 5 times a year, in the evenings from 6.00pm until approximately 7.30 pm.  A governor may belong to one Committee which holds one or two other meetings each term.  (Employers are under an obligation to allow their staff to have time off for their duties as school governors).  Governors tend to get involved with one particular area of the curriculum and one-year group,  visiting a couple of times per year to learn about the teaching of that subject and year group.  

Do governors get paid?

Although being a governor is voluntary, expenses (e.g. for childcare) can be paid.

What sort of people become governors?

Our constitution includes different types of governors. Anyone can become a parent governor if they have a child at the school. If you are a practicing Catholic you can apply to be a Foundation Governor, and you don't need to have a child at the school. Some of our governors work full-time, some part-time, and others are not in paid employment, but they all share one thing – a commitment to the children at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School today and in the future. We welcome people with skills and expertise in particular fields, but the most important thing is having the time and willingness to work with the school to make it as good as it possibly can be.

If you would like to have a chat about what it is like to be a governor please leave a message with the school office or email admin@stjosephs255.herts.sch.uk  for our link governor to contact you.