We are all aware that joining any new organisation has its challenges, and joining a Governing Body (GB) is no different.

There is a leaflet on this topic available from the help line.  There is also an induction pack available via the Documents page.

• New Parent and Staff Governors may know the school while others may not know the school at all. It is important that all:
  • engage with the school in a strategic way as governors;
  • quickly learn about the school, its plans and what it stands for (but are not swamped with 'helpful' information);
  • are made to feel welcome and valued;
  • are given a way, meaningful to them personally, to feel that they are making a valuable contribution.
    
    
• Exit polls indicate that many hard-won governors, especially from the business community, leave after a short while if these points are not addressed.
  
  
• It is good practice to have an induction policy / process for your GB. This could be owned and championed by the Link Governor, who actively manages the process for each new governor.
  
  
• A good induction process tends to include the following elements:
  
  
  • Before attending the first meeting:
    • notification of the appointment to the Governing Body Support Officer so that the new governor can receive LA information;
    • appointment of a mentor / buddy as a ready point of contact;
    • a visit to school to meet the headteacher and look around;
    • a call / visit from the Chair to welcome the new governor, advise of mentor contact details and to acquaint him / her briefly of current issues and work in hand;
    • provision of some essential documents to be built upon over the first few months;
      
      
  • At the first meeting:
    • arrange for someone to see the new governor a little earlier to run through the agenda and documentation;
    • warm welcome and introductions, especially the mentor;
    • sit new governor next to the mentor so that background and context of agenda items can be explained;
      
      
  • Before the second meeting:
    • make time soon after the first meeting for review and to answer questions, and perhaps complete the experience and skills audit;
    • arrange for visits to committees and assign to one of them, if relevant;
    • consider an individual role and perhaps 'buddy' with an experienced governor for a period.