Stories

Advanced search

Volunteering as a school governor

9 October 2009

School pupils

Pupils from The Orchard School Bristol

Ian Blenkharn is well connected to what’s happening in education, both nationally and locally. He is Acting Head of the Widening Participation and Undergraduate Recruitment Office, and he also volunteers as a governor in the Orchard School Bristol  (formerly Monks Park School), a secondary school in North Bristol that has faced many challenges.

School governors form an integral part of a school and, in conjunction with the Head Teacher, determine the overall direction for the school, ensuring it is accountable to parents, pupils and the Local Education Authority. The position offers  scope for involvement in a wide variety of school activities. Ian said: "I found myself at the school several times last year, attending committee meetings and disciplinary hearings for students, as well as for more enjoyable reasons, such as the range of extra-curricular events that take place throughout the academic year."

I found myself at the school several times last year, attending committee meetings and disciplinary hearings for students, as well as for more enjoyable reasons, such as the range of extra-curricular events that take place throughout the academic year.

Ian Blenkharn
Collectively responsible for 95,000 children and young people in Bristol, the Local Education Authority is constantly on the lookout for more governors who get involved because they have an interest in improving outcomes for young people.  All new governors attend training and have access to a professional support network.

"The Orchard School Bristol has made great progress over the last couple of years and has now exceeded the Government’s target of 30 per cent five A* to C passes at GCSE, including English and Maths,” Ian said.  “There is still a long way to go and it is an exciting time to be a governor at the school. I feel that there is real potential and momentum to improve the experience for all the students who go there. The work is also directly related to my role at the University, as the University is constantly striving to recruit undergraduates from a range of backgrounds.  I know plenty of academics who also act as governors; motivated by a desire to improve school education in Bristol and give something back to their local community."

 

 

Please contact The Public Engagement Officer for further information.

Further information:

The University recognises that it has a civic responsibility to allow staff to take on public duties. A member of staff taking on public duties should discuss with his or her head of department how these can best be accommodated to minimise disruption within the department. The University also supports volunteering by allowing staff an extra day of annual leave per year. To find out more, read the guidelines for the involvement of staff in public duties on the Personnel Services website. If you are interested, please contact a chosen school or the Governor Development Service, tel: +44 (0)117 903 1396. They will be able to give you further information and also tell you which schools have vacancies. To find out more, visit the Governor Development Service website.