The Inspiring Governors Alliance has been launched with backing from a wide range of organisations including the Education and Employers Taskforce, National Governors’ Association, Department for Education, and SGOSS Governors for Schools and Colleges.
A core part of the Alliance’s mission will be to attract more skilled people to volunteer as governors while also working with employers to encourage them to support staff who volunteer.
A new website has been created for potential volunteers, employers and governing bodies themselves. It is hoped the new body will also help governing bodies to become more active and effective in their recruitment drives.
Also supporting the venture is the Confederation of British Industry, the Association of School and College Leaders, and the National Association of Head Teachers, among others.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Gove said: “We recognise the valuable contribution that governors make to our schools and colleges, and now their role is more vital than ever.
“The future of our school system is in their hands as they hold school and college leaders to account for improving performance and scrutinising finances. There has never been a more important time to be a governor.”
Emma Knights, chief executive of the National Governors’ Association, added: “Governance is very challenging and only to be embarked on with your eyes wide open. The survey of school governors (see main story), reports that the majority of current volunteers have professional or management backgrounds. They volunteer because they are committed to making a difference to their communities.”
To find out more, visit www.inspiringgovernors.org