Somerset is looking for potential school governors to lead their local schools for the coming academic year.

As volunteering week 2022 comes to a close, Somerset County Council and Support Services for Education are reminding everyone that Somerset schools and academies in Somerset are looking for people to step forward and volunteer as school governors or trustees through the whole of the next academic year (September to June).

School governor and trustee roles often appeal to parents of children who attend the schools so they can be actively involved in their children's education and wider local community, but becoming a school governor is open to anyone. As long as you want to make a positive contribution to the education of children and young people, then you can apply, and you don't have to live locally although it can be an advantage if you do.

School governors can provide support with top level decision making for a school and make a valuable contribution with their skills and experience.

School governor and trustee roles are rewarding with many different challenges throughout the year. They also build transferable skills which can help career progression in education, politics and management situations. New governors and trustees are given support with a comprehensive training and development programme

Typical commitment includes 6 meetings a year, usually held in the evenings, and some classroom visits to see the school in operation.

Volunteers week runs from the 1st to the 7th of June every year and recognises the fantastic contribution volunteers make to communities every day. School governors are one of the largest volunteer forces in the UK and schools could not run without their valuable time and effort.

Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts said "As a school governor I find it really rewarding to play my part and use my experience and skills to add value to the local school. Volunteering can be such a rewarding and engaging activity that makes a real difference to the school community".

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If you would like more information about becoming a school governor or trustee please email [email protected].