Becoming a governor

If you would like to make a real contribution to your local community and are interested in education, you could play an important role in shaping the future of education.

Types of governors

There are different types of governors, including:

  • Parent governors - parents elected by other parents with children at the school.
  • Staff governors - elected by teaching and non-teaching staff.
  • Authority governors - appointed by local authority appointments panel who meet each term.
  • Foundation governors - a person who is appointed by the school's founding body, church or other organisation named in the school's  Instrument of Government. 
  • Community governors - a person appointed by the governing body, who lives or works in the community served by the school or who, in the opinion of the governing body, is committed to the good governance and success of the school.
  • Sponsor governors - appointed by the governing body. They give substantial assistance to a school, financially or in kind, or who provide services to the school.


What support will I get?

Support is available from many sources including your fellow governors, the Headteacher, staff and the Clerk to governors. Many schools have a school based governors induction programme. Other help is available from Governor Support Service including a welcome pack (available to schools who buy into the Service Level Agreement only) and comprehensive induction training based on the National Programme.

If you are considering becoming a governor we have a useful questions and answers booklet which you can request by contacting us.

How to apply to become a governor

You can contact your local school to ask if they need a new governor. Your local authority (LA) will be able to help you find a school or advise on opportunities to become an authority governor. If you are a parent ask your school about elections for parent governors.

Schools, local authorities and local Diocesan authorities will be able to tell you about opportunities as community governors, authority governors and foundation governors. Alternatively, you can download the application form and return to us at the address on the form, or email to governor.support@knowsley.gov.uk

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