School governors
Become a school governor
Make a difference in Kensington and Chelsea!
As a school governor, you will bring your unique skills and experiences to help steer the future of local schools. The skills you learn may well be transferable into your workplace and help your own professional development.
School governors play a crucial role in the oversight and strategic management of their schools, impacting areas such as:
- curriculum
- finance
- staff and pupil welfare
Working alongside headteachers and staff, you'll ensure that schools provide high-quality education and strive to raise educational standards.
This rewarding volunteer opportunity allows you to:
- learn new skills
- contribute positively to the education system and local community
- be part of a dedicated team aiming to improve the lives of the next generation
Join us in shaping the future of our schools - your involvement can truly make a difference!
Who can become a school governor?
Anyone over 18 with enthusiasm, willingness to learn, time to spare and an interest in children's futures can become a school governor. All governors must undertake a DBS check.
We recognise that it is important to have a diverse group of school governors across different ages, genders, ethnicities, disabilities and neuro divergent backgrounds who represent the local community. This diversity enables governing bodies to take decisions that consider the experiences of different groups.
As a governor you will need to commit time to attend regular meetings, read documents and get to know the school through visits and events. No specific qualifications are needed. Bring your communication skills, teamwork, and experience to make a real difference in local schools.
Support for school governors
Induction training is offered by the council which includes safeguarding. Schools will make available training for governors to guide you into your role and ensure you are well supported to carry out your duties.
How to apply
Interested in becoming a school governor? Complete our online application form:
Your details will be shared with the council’s School Governors team. If your skills match a school's needs, your details will be shared with the school.
Associate members
- Associate member advice
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Associate members are appointed by the full governing body and should be an agenda item at a full meeting. It is for the governing body to decide how they wish to appoint - show of hands secret ballot etc.
The minutes should record their term of office and whether or not the associate member has been accorded limited voting rights (these are referred to below).
Associate member appointments
Governing bodies can benefit from being able to draw on expertise and experience from outside their formal governor membership. The governing body can appoint associate members to serve on one or more governing body committees and attend full governing body meetings. The definition of associate member is wide and pupils, school staff and people who want to contribute specifically on issues related to their area of expertise, for instance finance, can be appointed as associate members.
Associate members are appointed as members of any committees established by the governing body. They are appointed for a period between one and four years and can be re-appointed at the end of their term of office. Associate members are not governors and they are not recorded on the Instrument of Government. Once appointed associates can attend full governing body meetings but will not have voting rights at such meetings.
The governing body can give limited voting rights to associate members at committee level at the time of appointment. Associate members cannot be given voting rights if they have not reached the age of 18 at the time of their appointment.
Associate members may not vote on any decision concerning:
- admissions
- pupil discipline
- election or appointment of governors
- the budget and financial commitments of the governing body
Contact us
If you would like to have an informal chat first about becoming a governor, email [email protected] and a member of the team will be happy to speak with you.