The Governors for Schools Podcast

In this episode, Josie Love-Murelli from the University of Southampton joins us to explore the benefits of implementing a school governor programme and network. Listen to find out how your university or organisation can open new doors for employees and students alike, while supporting local schools and the next generation.

Visit our website for more information on our university partnerships:

https://governorsforschools.org.uk/work-with-us/partners/university-partners/

If you have any queries about our volunteer recruitment or partnership offers, please email our Senior Partnership Manager:

Charles Western [email protected]

Music credit - Adobe Audio Stock: Corporate Ambient

Do you have expertise in safeguarding or Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? Ever considered using it to support a school in your local area?

In this episode, we speak with Matt, a deputy head who volunteers as a link governor for safeguarding, and Louise - a link governor in safeguarding, SEND and wellbeing. They share their experiences of supporting children with SEND, the skills and perspectives they've developed as school governors, and the challenges they’ve faced.

Whether you're considering becoming a school governor or already involved, their stories offer valuable insights on why these roles are so vital in supporting the next generation.

Ready to find out more about the role of a school governor? Visit our website: https://bit.ly/GfSAboutTheRole.

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In this episode, we speak to Alex Marsh - previously UK CEO of Klarna, co-founder of Charterpath, and proud school governor at a school in Brighton. He tells us about his school governance journey, the opportunities it affords for professional development, and the rewards of giving back to his local community.

If you want to find out more about becoming a school governor, visit our website: https://bit.ly/GfSAboutTheRole

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In this episode we are joined by Leyla Gambell, experienced SENco and writer for the Times Literary Supplement, and Susannah Butcher, retired headteacher and Chair of Governors, with a responsibility for SEND. The pair discuss how they've encouraged inclusivity in their school through the 'Inclusion Action Team' - working together to engage pupil voice, ask the right questions and communicate with their community.

Find out more about the Inclusive Governance campaign: https://bit.ly/4891I9a

Find out more about the role of a school governor: https://bit.ly/3GwUY8U

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In this episode, we explore the importance of raising awareness of invisible disabilities and neurodiversity in schools, the impact this can have on children and young people, and the unique perspective neurodivergent people can bring to school governing boards.

To discuss this topic, we’re joined by three passionate and knowledgeable voices - Chantal Boyle, Communications Manager at Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, Dr Claire Walsh, Chair of Governors (co-opted) and neurodiversity advocate, and Sue Blyth, Headteacher of Fourfields Community Primary School.

Read a transcript of this conversation: https://bit.ly/3UFi0Cn

Apply to become a school governor: https://bit.ly/43im7qz

Find out more about our Inclusive Governance campaign: https://bit.ly/3SYwk8A

Discover the Hidden Disabilities sunflower: https://bit.ly/3y3dtkn

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Hosted by Charles Western (Senior Partnerships Manager for North) and Anthony Melia (Partnerships Manager for the West Midlands), this episode of the Governors for Schools Podcast is geared towards an introduction to school governance for HR professionals. This episode was produced as part of Governors for Schools Inclusive Governance Campaign.

Charles and Anthony are joined by guests Kayleigh and Joanne whose bios can be found below. 

Kayleigh is currently Head of Human Resources at a globally recognised international charity based in the City of London. With over a decade of experience in Human Resources management, Kayleigh has mainly worked within the not for profit sector, including a London based independent School. Kayleigh is a Chartered member of the CIPD having completed the Level 7 CIPD Diploma and is currently undertaking a Masters of Law with a focus on employment law. Kayleigh has been a community governor of a secondary school in her hometown in Kent since May 2022.

Joanne is a seasoned HR leader with Level 7 CIPD qualifications and a solid grounding in accounting. Her career spans a variety of sectors across the UK, and she is currently applying her skills to SMEs in Lancashire. As a mother and a professional, she uniquely understands the importance of effective people management and its impact both in business and in educational settings. Her role as a school governor allows her to contribute to shaping the educational environment, ensuring it benefits from the strategic insights that HR expertise can offer.

If you have any questions or want to find out more, feel free to send us an email at: [email protected].

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Listen to our teaser trailer for information about what is coming up in our new Inclusive Governance campaign and how this plays into the Governors for Schools Podcast.

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It's Trustees Week (6th-10th November), and our Trustee Recruitment team is proud to celebrate the work of one particular MAT Trustee, Emma Hawker. Listen on to hear our team get inspired by the contributions Emma's made to her board, despite the fact she did not initially consider herself to be Trustee material.

Ready to apply and start your Trustee journey? Head to the Trustee Recruitment Service website: www.trusteerecruitmentservice.org.uk

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In this episode, we explore how the University of Liverpool is working with Governors for Schools and School Improvement Liverpool to encourage more people to become governors, as well as the benefits of getting involved.

Chair: Jessica Wing, Partnerships Manager, Governors for Schools

Panellists:

• Emma Harris, Head of Governor Recruitment, Governors for Schools
• Christine Todd, Head of UK Recruitment, University of Liverpool
• Kieran O’Sullivan, UK Recruitment Manager, University of Liverpool
• Dave Cadwallader, School Governance Lead, School Improvement Liverpool

For more information about Governors for Schools, please visit our website. 

It's Volunteers' Week (1st-7th June), and we at Governors for Schools are excited to celebrate the fantastic work of governors across the country. Governors are the largest volunteer group across England and Wales, but there are still thousands of vacancies on school boards. Are you keen to get involved and help younger generations thrive? In this podcast, you'll learn more about the role, the commitment involved, and how to apply. You’ll also hear from two school governors about the difference they’re making by volunteering. 

Ready to apply and start your governor journey? Head to the Governors for Schools website: Governors for Schools - Effective Governors, Excellent Schools