Posted on: Thursday 30 January 2025
Schools across Torfaen are looking for volunteers to become school governors to help pupils gain the qualifications and skills they need to lead positive lives.
School governing bodies include teacher, staff, parent, community, and local authority governors - all crucial in setting a clear vision, strategic approach, and overseeing financial performance.
As a governor, you'll work with others to ensure the school provides the best education, is well-governed, and accountable to its community. You'll contribute to key decisions, from shaping policies to supporting the leadership team.
David Childs, LA governor and chair of governors, at Ysgol Panteg, in Pontypool, said: “Becoming a school governor is a rewarding way to serve your community and contribute to something that benefits us all.
“Strong schools build stronger communities, and by volunteering as a governor, you have the unique opportunity to support and shape this vital work.”
Like David, you don't need to be a Welsh speaker to be a governor at a Welsh medium school.
Headteacher Dr. Matthew Williamson-Dicken said: “Governors play an indispensable role within the school. They are vital sounding boards whose perspectives and insights are crucial to our decision-making processes. They also serve as a bridge between the school and the wider community.
This week, around 30 governors will attend a Welsh schools’ governor training session at Ysgol Panteg, which focused on the role of a governor and how to support the school through self-evaluation processes.
Governor positions are appointed by schools or councils and successful candidates are expected to serve for four years.
The role offers an independent perspective and provides a range of personal development opportunities, including project and financial management experience and leadership skills.
Cllr Richard Clark, Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, said: “Our schools couldn’t do the fantastic work they do without the support of school governors. Parent and community governors often have a personal connection to the school because they went there or they know someone who is a pupil there. This gives them a unique perspective which schools really value.”
"The important work done by school governors supports our county plan wellbeing objectives by raising educational attainment, helping individuals gain essential qualifications and skills, and fostering strong school-community relationships."
There are a number of parent and community governor vacancies currently available in Torfaen. For more information, visit the council’s website -School Governors | Torfaen County Borough Council