The main tasks of the Local Governing Body (LGB) are:

• To ensure the school has a clear vision, ethos and strategic direction.
• To hold the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its students.
• To oversee the financial performance of the school and ensure its money is well spent.

The role is often described as being a ‘critical friend’ – offering support whilst not being afraid to question and challenge, holding the leadership to account. Being a governor is a voluntary (i.e. unpaid) position. However, you can choose to claim travel expenses.

Governors attend the following meetings:

• A full meeting of the LGB three times a year, at Silverdale School.
• One or two sub-committee meetings every term. Sub-committee meetings happen remotely via online video meetings.

They also allow time to:

• Read the papers before meetings and to plan any questions or comments you wish to make during the meeting.
• Undertake training for the role. Much of this can be via online courses, but there are also opportunities to attend courses in person.
• Undertake additional daytime activities. These are not compulsory, as we appreciate that governors have other commitments. These could include helping on specific projects, sitting on interview panels or attending a school event.

Above all else, you need to want to make a difference to our young people's lives. If you have experience of governance or education, that is useful, but not essential as full training and support is given. This will include in-house mentoring and support from the governing body members as well as access to external governor training.

Please note that this is a strategic, rather than operational role, working within the parameters of the LGB and its Scheme of Delegation within the Trust. The Governing Body also consists of representatives from the staff and parents/carers. This ensures we have a wide range of skills and experiences.

We would always encourage people wanting to make a difference by taking an active role in the governance of our school to get in touch.

As a governor, you can make a meaningful difference to your local community and give something back. You will expand your network through joining our LGB of skilled local professional people. You can also gain the opportunity to develop your existing professional skills with an organisation that really benefits from them, and you can gain valuable experience for your own development.

Anyone! Community Governors don’t need to have a prior connection with Silverdale School.

However, there are rules in place that govern the number of representatives of certain groups on LGBs.  These groups include parents, staff and council employees. There is a statutory limit to the number of local authority associated governors who are either currently directly employed by Sheffield City Council or current or recent city councillors. Therefore, you will need to declare this on your application.

If you want to put yourself forward for a Community Governor position, please complete the application form  by the deadline of Friday 17 March 2023. We will then be in touch with you to arrange a phone conversation to discuss your application.

If you would like further information before deciding whether to put yourself forward please contact info@chorustrust.org