Volunteers are being sought to help schools in Torfaen by becoming school governors.

School governing bodies are made up of a number of governor positions, including teacher, staff, parent, community and local authority governors. They work with schools set a clear vision, a strategic approach and oversee its financial performance.

Last year, the school inspectorate Estyn praised the governing body of Pontnewydd Primary School, in Cwmbran, for playing an important role in school life. Headteacher Kerry Waters said: “I take great pride in highlighting the essential role of school governors. Through their active engagement, our learning community is enriched with diverse perspectives, dedicated to meeting the unique needs of every child.

“Becoming a school governor is a highly rewarding experience, where you will play a key role in setting the school’s vision, mission, and objectives, and they work collaboratively with the school leadership  to develop long-term plans to achieve these goals.”

Chair of governors Allan Taite added: “As a community governor, my background in personnel management has allowed me to bring valuable expertise to the table, collaborating closely with the local authority to ensure effective staffing practices.

“Governors now actively participate in shaping decisions and formulating the school’s development plan, playing a crucial role in defining the school’s strategy and closely monitoring its progress. It brings me immense joy to be a part of setting our school’s key values in collaboration with the children and staff.”

Staff, parent and community governor positions are appointed by schools, local authority governors are recruited and appointed by councils and can offer an independent perspective. School governors are expected to attend three governing bodies a year, one per term and a governor’s term of office lasts for four years.

The role offers the opportunity for personal development and skills and experience in project management, budgeting and working as part of a leadership team.

Councillor Richard Clark, executive member for education, said: “School governors are the unsung heroes of our education service. They offer their time, experience and insight to support schools to do the best they can for their pupils and wider communities. Local authority governors bring a different, independent perspective to governing bodies that can enrich the insight parent, community and teacher governors have.”

Currently, there are a variety of governor vacancies available in schools across Torfaen. You can apply to become one by visiting the Torfaen Council website.

Find out more about school governors and the support available here.

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