Joining The Governing Body

Specific expertise is not essential, but if you have a particular skill for example in IT, finance, HR, data analysis, project management or in any other field, that would be welcome in our school. However, regardless of your skill set, you will make a good school governor if you....

• care about improving young people’s educational attainment
• want to contribute to the local community
• want to work as part of a team and can value the contribution made by different people
• are able to give time to prepare for and attend meetings
• accept you might need training
• are willing to ask questions
• are open to ideas and willing to learn
• are able to contribute to the life of the school

Membership of the Local Governing Body (LGB) of The Cornerstone Academy typically includes people local to the school and its community whose skills, experience and commitment contribute to the effectiveness of the LGB.

The governing body is primarily made up of governors appointed by the LGB and are members of the local area or business community who can bring their perspective to school developments, together with their expertise and experience of life. The usual term of office for a governor is three years.  In addition to these governors there are also representatives of the school community who have been appointed by the LGB.  

If you are interested in volunteering to become a governor you will need to complete an “Expression of Interest” form for your application to be considered by the LGB. However, completing this form does not guarantee appointment. There are certain conditions you will need to meet to become a governor, but these are quite simple. Information about these conditions can be obtained from the Chair of Governors or the Clerk to the Governing Body.

Take an active part in meetings First and obviously, attend Local Governing Body (LGB) meetings. We hold 3 LGB meetings a year. The dates are published in July each year for the following academic year to try and give everyone as much notice as possible. The meetings start at 17:00 and last about two hours.

Next, join a committee. Much Governing Body work is done through committees, and it is only as a member of a committee that you will be able to contribute fully to the work of the Governing Body. Each committee meets 3 times a year. Meetings last about two hours, start at 17:00

Be prepared to ask questions

A governor must be a “critical” friend to the school. This means asking questions and being ready to challenge in a constructive way. The main opportunities for this are:

• At LGB meetings in receipt of the Principal’s report
• In committee –when discussing actions, options or proposals
• On visits to school -to improve understanding or seek clarification
• As a ‘Designated’ Governor attending Review meetings or visiting the school –to celebrate progress or identify further actions necessary

The key questions that lie at the heart of any additional questions you ask are:

• Are we taking the actions we said we would be taking?
• What is the impact of what we are doing on young people’s learning?
• Is what we are doing providing good value for money?

Like most Governing Bodies, we have a system where governors can “link” to a subject department or to an aspect of the school’s work. These ‘Designated Governor’ roles are agreed at the start of the academic year. Designated governors attend regular Review meetings and work alongside members of the school’s Senior Leadership Team, (SLT)& Middle Leaders.

Visiting the school during the day, gives an understanding of how the school works, so governors are most welcome to arrange a visit with any member of the SLT. Governors also get invited to a range of school events during the year, such as Concerts and Drama Productions and school award ceremonies.

If you want to find out more or have any queries about the role of a governor at The Cornerstone Academy, please contact the Chair of Governors or Clerk to the Governing Body via the school office.  You can also email them at chair@cornerstoneacademy.org.uk  or clerk@cornerstoneacademy.org.uk