I would like to be a school governor at Higher Failsworth, what do I do next?
There are different types of Governor members on our School Governing Body. The two most common are Parent Governors and Co-Opted Governors, but we also have LA Governors and a Staff Governor.
If you are interested in becoming a Governor at our school, then the first step to take would be to get in touch with us. You could talk to the Headteacher or the Chair of governors about the role and make sure that they can contact you if an appropriate vacancy arises.
Parent Governor Application
The term of office (how long you are normally expected to be a member) for a parent Governor is normally 4 years.
When we have a vacancy for a Parent Governor, we are normally required to hold an election if there are a number of nominations put forward for the role. If you wish to serve as a parent governor, then you will need to complete a nomination form which will need to be proposed and seconded by two other people who are eligible to vote in a parent governor election (so two other parents will need to approve your application). If we have a number of nominations for the role, the school will arrange a ballot and the candidate with the most votes will be appointed to the vacancy.
At present, we have one vacancy for a Parent Governors. Here is all of the information you need to apply:
Nominations should be returned to the school office.
If we have more than one nomination, then we will hold an election and ballot papers and information will be made available to all parents to vote for their preferred candidate. If a vote is required, voting papers will be issued on and should be returned to school by a given date.
If there is only one candidate, they will be automatically elected to our Governing Body after the closing date.
Co-opted Governor Application
You do not have to be a parent to be a governor at our school. Retired people and those involved in the local business community have much to offer.
If you’ve never thought of putting yourself forward, but believe schools should give children the best start, then this could be the role for you. If you live in the area, then you could well have what it takes to be a school governor, and help make a difference to our children’s future.
For co-opted governors your skills will be matched against skills required for the our school governing body. All applications will be considered and approved by the schools full governing body who will formally make the appointment.
To register your interest, you will need to complete an application form which can be found here
LA Governor Application
To become an LA governor, you will need to work for Oldham Council and your skills will be matched against skills required for the our schools governing body. LA governor appointment will require endorsement by the Cabinet Member and Shadow Cabinet Member for Education and Early Years. All applications will be considered and approved by the schools full governing body who will formally make the appointment.
Alternatively you can contact the Governor Support Service for more information.
Telephone: 0161 770 1808
Email: gbsupport@oldham.gov.uk
More information is also available online via the National Governors’ Association (NGA) and Inspiring Governance websites.