School governors are volunteers who are committed to making sure that their school provides the best possible education for all its pupils. Governors come from a range of different backgrounds and bring different skills and expertise to the role.
There are different types of governors on governing bodies. Most governing bodies have a combination of the following types of governor:
- Parent Governors – elected by parents at the school
- Staff Governors – elected by staff at the school
- Head Teacher
- Local Authority Governors – recruited from a range of backgrounds and businesses to help communicate local policy
- Co-opted Governors – appointed by the governing body and are people who they feel have the relevant skills and experience to contribute to effective governance and the success of the school.
- Foundation Governors – representatives of the religious organisation or trust, if any, that supports the school to uphold its ethos and values
There may also be other types of governor depending on the type of school.
Governors should expect to spend approximately 10-20 days a year on their role. This would include:
- Attending all governing body meetings, usually 3 to 6 per year
- Attending any subcommittee meetings they are involved in
- Reading any papers circulated before meetings
- Undertaking any relevant research required
- Visiting the school as part of a programme of governor visits with a specific focus
Information about applying to be a Governor
- Visit our apply to be a school governor
- Find out more information about on the National Governance Association Website
- Attend a Virtual Find out More Session - Becoming a Governor in Manchester
- Contact us to arrange an informal chat by emailing schoolgovernance@manchester.gov.uk
Hear from our governors: