Vacancies for parent governors and community governors arise from time to time and we always welcome hearing from you if you are interested in either role.
We currently have vacancies for Parent Governors and Community Governors.
There is also more information about the role of governors in the Meet the Governors section of our website. Being a governor is a voluntary role. It can be enjoyable, challenging and rewarding and our governors have a real part to play in making our school successful and supporting our children to aim high. No special qualifications are needed; the most important thing is to have a keen interest in the school and be prepared to play an active part in the governing body’s work.
Interested?
If you are interested in becoming a governor, please read the information below 'Could you become a governor?' which gives more information about being a governor and the important information on 'Eligibility' which outlines the circumstances under which someone cannot serve as a governor. All governor appointments are subject to statutory appointment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.
How much time does it involve?
The average time commitment is about four hours per month but it does vary month to month. This includes:
- Preparing for and attending meetings. We meet 4-6 times a year, usually on a Wednesday evening approximately 5-7pm. Before meetings, there are papers that need reading such as policies and reports.
- Taking part in occasional school visits and meetings with teachers during the school day. We also hold 1-2 ‘Governor Days’ each year to focus on particular aspects of school life and develop our skills.
- Supporting some of the school's activities in an informal way to get to know the school
Is any training needed?
You don't need any specific training to be a governor. However, as a new school governor, you will be expected to take part in training to help you understand your role and develop your knowledge and skills. You will also need to undertake some essential training on appointment and annually thereafter, including safeguarding and data protection.
How long will my role last?
The term of office for a governor is four years. You can resign before your term is finished if you wish.
Parent Governors - How to stand for election
Our parent governors are elected by and from the parents of pupils attending our school. To be elected as a parent governor you must have parental responsibility for a child registered at the school.
If you would like to apply to be a parent governor, please complete a nomination form downloadable from our website or available as a printed copy from the School Office. Your nomination form must be returned to the school no later than 12 noon on Monday 16 October 2023 either by email to (info@dovedale.derbyshire.sch.uk) clearly marked Parent Governor Election in the subject line) or by hand. You are responsible for ensuring that your nomination form is received by the deadline and ensuring it has been received. Instructions for returning the forms by email or by hand are on the website and on the nomination form.
If the number of applications is the same as or smaller than the number of positions to be filled, then the applicant/s will be deemed to be elected, subject to the necessary eligibility checks. If we receive more applications than there are vacancies, we will ask you if you want to stand for election by secret ballot.
Community Governors – How to apply
Community governors don’t have to have a child attending the school. Community governors are appointed by the governing board for the skills they can offer and the contribution they can make. If you, or someone you know, might be interested there is an application form available on the website. There is no deadline for applications but we would be really pleased to hear from you soon.
The school has an appointment process for community governors which includes completing an application form, having a short interview and visiting the school. This provides an opportunity for both you and the school to make an informed decision about your potential appointment. The school will also take up references before confirming their decision to appoint.
If you have any queries about this process or would like to find out more about the role, please email Diane Dakin, the clerk to the governors, at ddakin@sawley-inf.derbyshire.sch.uk or telephone the school office and leave your contact details and we will get back to you.
Questions
If you have any questions or would just like to find out more about either role, please email Diane Dakin, the clerk to the governors, at ddakin@sawley-inf.derbyshire.sch.uk
or telephone the school office and leave your contact details and we will get back to you.