School governors are volunteers who are committed to making sure that a school provides the best possible education for all its pupils. They work closely with the head teacher and school staff. As part of a school's Governing Body, together they are responsible for:
- Academic performance
- Financial management
- Recruitment of teachers and support staff
- Dealing with complaints
- The 'image' of the school within the local community
- Asking questions, gathering views and deciding what is in the school's best interests
There are several different categories of governor:
- Parent governors - elected by parents at the school
- Staff governors - elected by teaching and non-teaching colleagues at the school
- Local Authority governors - appointed by Bury Council
- Foundation governors - appointed by the relevant Diocese (in Church schools only)
- Co-opted governors - appointed by existing members of the Governing Body for their particular skills and knowledge
Governors spend a few hours per month on their role. Normally this includes:
- Attending governing body meetings, usually 3 to 6 per year
- Attending subcommittee meetings they are involved in
- Reading papers circulated before meetings
- Doing any relevant research
- Supporting the school by attending concerts, plays and fairs