Individuals and businesses are being invited to discover the ‘career-boosting’ benefits of being a school governor at an event next month.

With vacancies for school governors across the county, East Sussex County Council (ESCC) has launched a major recruitment campaign to address the shortfall.

In the latest push, a special event will take place on Thursday, March 5th, that will give prospective governors the chance to learn more about the role from the chairman of the East Sussex Governors Forum, local headteachers and current governors.

Applicants don’t need to be experts in education…

Councillor Bob Standley, ESCC’s lead member for education, said: “There are so many benefits to becoming a school governor. As well as contributing to the future of young people and giving something back to your community, taking up this voluntary role will help you develop skills that could help boost your career.

“Many of the skills learned in an educational environment are often same as those required for business such as strategic planning, financial planning and working in a team.

“I would encourage people to attend the event and hear directly from those who have first-hand experience of how rewarding the role can be.”

Governors work closely with headteachers to raise school standards by setting strategic direction, monitoring performance and ensuring finances are appropriately spent. Applicants don’t need to be experts in education as support and training is offered.

Anyone with five to eight hours a month to spare can apply to become a school governor. With employers increasingly recognising the value of staff taking up the role, many now offer time off for staff to perform their duties.

ESCC’s information event will take place at Flackley Ash Hotel in Peasmarsh on the Thursday, March 5th from 4pm until 6pm and places can be booked at https://bit.ly/2UMzVsd

More information about the role and details of how to apply to be a governor can be found at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/schoolgovernor

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