Passing the buck

TES is a good idea. I will think about it.

We are very lucky to have a committed group of governors who regard the school as central to community life, and we have been fortunate to find some important skills within the group - an accountant, a schools inspector (!), a PR specialist, a social worker and a computer wizard - but it is pure chance.

Several governors left when they discovered how onerous the task was - which was the right thing to do - if they did not feel they could commit to it, then better that they should make the decision to leave.

I am learning all the time as to how to do this job to the best of my ability but it is a huge commitment, and I have no relevant qualifications at all. And academies are even more concerning, as they too are run by lay people, with less oversight. We joined together with an academy for a year in an attempt to create sustainability, until we realised how hopeless they were.

Currently we are under threat of closure, simply on the basis of size - why is it that the council cannot understand that small schools are inevitable in a scattered rural communities? - transporting children in mini-buses along our single track tractor-ridden lanes to get them to a bigger school is a huge danger.

How things have changed. When I was a governor we bought in clerking services from the LEA and the clerks we had were experienced education officers. Now I suppose the LEAs are either weakened or non-existent, so where are GBs meant to recruit their "professional clerk who provides legal advice and oversees the governing board’s induction and development needs"? Have you been in touch with the National Governors Association?

Yes. You obviously are.

I'm a clean living girl!

Oh dear Luckygirl - your name can be shortened to that of a washing machine!

You could also write to the TES. It is nonsense, Luckygirl. Another grandiose government (all parties!) educational policy which puts the burden of making it work on conscientious and committed individual.

Agree with soon. Go on - write it Lg.

I would be tempted to write, and probably would
"We would be very happy for you to provide us with someone".

I used to be a school Governor in the same sort of situation as yourself. From what I read, things have only got worse.
I dont think I would do the job nowadays.