Bryanston School near Blandford has become the first independent school to be recognised as a School Governor Champion by Inspiring Governance, a national and charitable organisation supported and funded by the Department for Education. The move will see Bryanston encouraging and supporting its staff to work with Inspiring Governance and make an active contribution as school governors of other local schools. More than ten members of staff have already signed up to become governors of local primary, secondary and FE Colleges as a result of the programme.
“Any major employer has a responsibility to its surrounding community and local centres of education and, as one of the largest employers in the area with a workforce of over 600, we are no different,” says Bryanston’s Charlotte Willis-Clarke, who is co-ordinating the School’s work with Inspiring Governance.
“This initiative is entirely in keeping with our corporate social responsibilities and our commitment to work with and help support local communities and schools across the area. Significantly, as well as applying their own skills and experience to support the development and vitality of a local school, being a governor also provides a great opportunity for individuals to develop new personal skills and gain new insight and experience that will also benefit their work here at Bryanston. It really is a win-win for all parties and I’m delighted so many members of the School’s teaching and support staff, with such a diverse range of skills and expertise, have really embraced the idea with such enthusiasm.”
“We’re thrilled that Bryanston has become the first independent school to sign our School Governor Champion Charter”, says Eileen Brocklehurst, Inspiring Governance Regional Manager (South West). “Staff from across the School are registering their interest and many have already been appointed to schools in Dorset and Wiltshire. This is an important initiative and Bryanston’s support is a perfect example of the state and independent education sectors working together for the benefit of young people.”
Inspiring Governance is managed by the Education and Employers charity and the National Governance Association (NGA) and operates in partnership with the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) and National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT). It provides the national online recruitment service for volunteers and schools can register their governor vacancies on the same platform and search for volunteers in their local areas. The organisation also provides written and online support for anyone who is new to school governance.
To date, members of staff at Bryanston have become Governors at Gillingham Primary School, William Barnes Primary School, Matravers Secondary School in Westbury, Weymouth College, Cheselbourne Village School and Stower Provost Community School. Other personnel at the School have also registered their interest and many are in discussions with other schools in the region and with other members of the Blandford Schools’ Network.
“I would urge other forward-thinking employers across the region to promote the idea of school governance throughout their workforce,” continues Willis-Clarke. “Not only does it provide a very rewarding personal experience, it also enhances transferable skills and professional development in so many different areas. Being a school governor is also a great way to contribute and become actively involved within the local community as such centres of education really do lie at the heart of any locality – especially in a rural county like Dorset.
Anyone wanting further information about becoming a school governor can visit the Inspiring Governance’s website – www.inspiringgovernance.org – where there is detailed information about the role and where anyone who is interested can register to find a position.”
