Local Governance at Rise
What knowledge and skills do I need?
Across the trust, local governors bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their volunteer role. There is not one set of knowledge or experiences that add value per se.
What we mostly look for is the right disposition. The desire to build relationships with the school and Rise. The drive to ask pertinent questions. The passion to think about all pupils in the school and the ambition for things to be even better.
What is the time commitment?
There are four 2 hour meetings a year. Two in the autumn and then one in spring and summer. There is an expectation that the uploaded documents are read in advance.
Our training and support is online and can be reviewed at a time that suits you. The minimum we ask is an annual refresher regarding safeguarding and GDPR and a one of engagement with our induction to governance at Rise resources. Other training is available online but optional.
We encourage at least 4 local governors to visit the school at least once a year in their role as an advocate for:
SEND pupils
EYFS
Culture and Ethos
Safeguarding.
These governors would spend an additional 30 minutes watching a short training video and would spend a couple of hour’s maximum a year, visiting and providing a short write up.
We aim to strike the balance between recognising the role is voluntary, whilst valuing the service that you provide and thus investing in your training and development.
What do we do?
Most of the work of the local committees is done through the four meetings. You will receive papers, including the Head’s report and you will often ask questions. You will also receive all of the review outputs from the Rise team; so you will also get a view of the school’s strengths from outside of the school staff. Finally, you will have updates from any advocate visits to the school.