Board of Education (NI)
From The Church Of Ireland Board Of Education (N.I.) – Could You Become A School Governor?
School Boards of Governors are reconstituted every four years when members complete their term of office. The Department of Education (DE) has started the reconstitution of Boards of Governors for the period September 2013 to June 2017.
Opportunity
Vacancies on Boards of Governors, can be an opportunity for individuals from the community to consider volunteering to become a governor. For those from a church background it is an opportunity to make an important contribution to the education of children and also a way to serve God in the local setting. It is a rewarding experience and a chance to learn new skills; for example: working within a team, understanding finance, staffing, strategic management and accountability.
What’s involved?
A governor works in partnership with the school principal to provide the best possible standards of education. Although the principal and staff are the professional educators, governors contribute useful additional skills, expertise and experience from the world of work and life outside school. The role of the Board of Governors is to manage the school – this includes:
• setting the school’s vision and aims
• establishing and maintaining the school’s ethos
• setting the school’s plans and policies
• monitoring and evaluating school performance
• staffing and financial matters
There is obviously a time commitment – Boards of Governors generally meet at least once each school term although more usually once each month. Meeting times vary but may be in late afternoons or evenings. Governors are appointed on a voluntary basis for a four–year term of office, although he/she can resign at any time. Training is also provided through a governor support service.
Types of governors
Governors can be appointed in a variety of ways. In the case of Controlled primary and secondary schools, the Church of Ireland along with the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches have a right to nominate what are known as ‘transferor governors’, because these Churches were original founders of many controlled schools. Transferor governors are usually drawn from the membership of the local church community and include both clergy and lay people.
If any church members have an interest in becoming a transferor governor they should in the first instance speak to their rector about possibilities in the local area. For further information about being a transferor governor, the Church of Ireland Board of Education NI may also be contacted – Tel 028 90828860 or edunorth@ireland.anglican.org
Governors are also appointed by the Education and Library Boards (ELBs) and the Department of Education (DE). For anyone interested in considering one of these categories of governor then visit the DE website for further information:
www.deni.gov.uk/index/85–schools/5–school–management/79–school_governors_pg.htm
At this time of reconstitution of school boards as church members please give consideration to serving as a governor. You may be able to bring a unique contribution to the education of children and young people in Northern Ireland.