Nine top tips for new school governors We understand that becoming a school governor can be a daunting experience Here are nine top tips to help you to make a valuable contribution to your school in your new role Engage with key stakeholders Visit the school Talking to pupils and sta� members is an ideal way to get to know the school But governors are there to learn by observing so, if you’re in a lesson, you can’t make any judgements It’s important to not take any notes when you’re in a lesson as this could be uncomfortable for the teacher Commit time Being a governor does mean a time commitment Whether that’s in pre-reading before meetings, attending meetings, visiting the school or analysing reports, you must be prepared to commit the time necessary to make a di�erence to children’s lives Be strategic, not operational Governors are in an ‘eyes on, hands o�’ position of keeping abreast of what the school’s leadership is doing but not getting involved Headteachers run the school’s day-to-day activity and you’re just there to remember the school’s vision and help to steer it in the right strategic direction Be professional Governors are a school’s employers in law and strategic leaders You should hold the operational leadership team (including the headteacher) to account, which you can only by asking questions But you must remember to be respectful Call 0333 300 1900 or email information@entrust-ed.co.uk Governors need to understand the views of all key stakeholders – those who have an interest in the school These could be the pupils, parents or carers, sta�, the local authority, Ofsted and so on You need to understand their views and consider how you’ll this Manage con�ict of interest Governors must commit to working sel�essly for the best interests of the children in the school, and you need to declare and manage any con�icts of interest Use experience and skills It’s likely that you’ve been recruited as a governor because of your speci�c skills, so you can’t be afraid to use those skills But you must remember the divide between strategic and operational Monitor and evaluate Every decision that a governor takes must have a positive impact on outcomes for the school’s pupils You need to ensure best value and �nancial probity so keep the question “so what?” in mind at all times Make a di�erence! As a governor, you can help to ensure that children get the best educational experience possible