We currently have two Parent Governor vacancies on the Board of Governors. In this interview I chat to current Parent Governor Joanne Russell about the challenges and rewards of governance.
GD: Hi Joanne, please tell us a little about yourself:
JR: I am self-employed running a
small beauty business from my home. I have 3 sons, the older 2 attended
Matravers a few years ago and my youngest has just started Year 9.
GD: What made you want to become a governor, and
when did you join the board?
JR: I joined Matravers Governors as a Parent Governor in June
2013. Since my youngest son had joined Matravers there had been a lot of
changes and I knew, with a new Head Teacher starting there would be a lot more.
I’d had many conversations with friends and other parents and generally we all
seemed to be discussing the same subjects. A letter was sent out asking for
Governors and I decided that this would be a good opportunity for me to understand
and discuss issues and be a voice for other parents.
GD: What is the role of the Board of Governors?
JR: The Board of Governors takes responsibility for the
conduct of the school. It promotes high standards of educational achievement in
order to ensure that every student exceeds their potential. Our ambition is for
Matravers School to become a world class education facility at the heart of the
Westbury area community for students aged 11-18. In addition the board has
legal ownership of the school site (land and buildings) and acts as the
employer of school staff.
The Core Functions of Governance are:
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils
- Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.
GD: What have you found most challenging about
governance?
JR: For me, the most challenging thing about Governance is
understanding data! I am getting there but it does not come naturally!
GD: What have you found most rewarding about
governance?
JR: Before becoming a governor I didn’t really understand
what the role of the Governing Board was, I have a good understanding now, but
more importantly I’ve learned that they are a group of ‘ordinary’ people who
care passionately about the success of Matravers and the children that attend
it.
GD: What skills have you learned from being a governor
that have helped you in other areas of your life?
JR: I now have a broader view of the education system and
some of the challenges faced with running a school, I was probably quite narrow
minded with my views on certain issues prior to becoming a Governor.
GD: How does being a parent impact on your approach
to governance?
JR: I think being a Governor and having a child that
currently attends Matravers is a great benefit. I am listening to feedback from
my child regarding things that are going on at the school, I have the benefit
of talking to other parents and being able to feedback not only concerns but
also positivity to the Governing Board.
GD: What would you say to encourage other parents
join the Governing Board?
JR: There is often a lot of talk between parents and also in
the community about Matravers, people are often very passionate with their
views whether they are positive or negative. Put this passion to good use and
consider being a Governor and joining the Governing Board, where issues can be
dealt with constructively.
GD: Thanks for that, Joanne. For more information on becoming Parent Governor and how to apply see the Governor page of the school website, here.
