Join Us

Become a governor and help shape the future of Shirehampton Primary School

We are currently looking for new co-opted and parent governors  to join our friendly and supportive governing board.

As part of this recruitment, we’re looking for a governor who will be willing to take on responsibilities including chairing a committee and being Chair of Governors or Vice Chair in the future.

Becoming a governor offers you the chance to develop leadership skills and give back to the school community. 

You don’t need to have a background in education to volunteer – just some spare time and a willingness to contribute positively.

This page offers more information and a link to an online application form to apply. If you have any further questions, please contact Chair of Governors Becky Macfarlane beckymacfarlane.SPSgovernor@bristol-schools.uk

What’s involved?

Governors work with the head teacher and senior leadership team to ensure children receive the best education we can give them.

As a school governor you will: 

• Listen to the views of the wider parent and carer community and consider those as you contribute to governors’ decisions
• Contribute at meetings by reading papers beforehand and offering a viewpoint 
• Listen and ask questions about the school and its strategic plans
• Work collaboratively with other governors to review and monitor policies and budgets. 

School governors also help interview and appoint new staff, take part in complaints hearings, and are actively involved in monitoring and ensuring school safety and safeguarding. 

Governors normally take on the role for a least four years. You can resign at any time. If your child leaves school, you can continue as a governor until the end of your term. 

How much time will I need to commit to the role?

Most governors say they dedicate around two days a term to the role, including attending meetings.

You will need to join a two-hour in-person meeting each school term and be prepared to read various papers beforehand. You will also need to join one online committee meeting each term, which lasts for about one and a half hours.

Governors also take part in school visits and join school events – attendance is shared across the governing board. 

Who can apply? 

Our current governors have backgrounds in finance, security, policy, and marketing. Some of our governors are self-employed and others are retired. 

If selected, you’ll be asked to complete a disclosure and barring service check. 

We actively monitor the diversity of our governing board to ensure we have the right diversity of people to reflect the communities we serve and secure the best outcomes for all students. 

We particularly welcome applications from currently underrepresented groups, which includes parents from our local Polish and Turkish communities. 

What support will I have? 

All governors have access to an online platform that offers full training and ongoing support.  

You can also be mentored by an experienced governor as you learn more about the role and what’s involved.

How do I apply? 

To be considered for the role you will need to complete a short online application form

For more details on the application process or if you have any other questions, please email Chair of Governors Becky Macfarlane beckymacfarlane.SPSgovernor@bristol-schools.uk