A scheme to recruit school governors has been relaunched in Suffolk in a bid to overturn high vacancy numbers.

East Anglian Daily Times: Suffolk County Council's senior governance advisor Joanna Howell (left) and Wilby CofE primary school governor Kim Palmer. Picture: JASON NOBLESuffolk County Council's senior governance advisor Joanna Howell (left) and Wilby CofE primary school governor Kim Palmer. Picture: JASON NOBLE (Image: Archant)

Data published earlier this month ahead of the Suffolk County Council school governor appointments board revealed there were 378 vacancies across the county’s 149 local authority maintained schools.

To tackle the problem, a meeting was held last week and a decision to relaunch its Govern Suffolk Schools campaign was approved.

The scheme was launched in June last year with the focus on highlighting what governors do to give people a better understanding.

Joanna Howell, senior governance advisor at the county council, said: “They are the unsung heroes of education locally.

East Anglian Daily Times: Common misconceptions about school governors Picture: INFOGRAM/ARCHANTCommon misconceptions about school governors Picture: INFOGRAM/ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

“It’s really about the raising awareness of the opportunity out there.

“They make up a huge amount of the volunteer workforce but people don’t know they can do it.”

The campaign aims to break down some of the misconceptions around governors and what they do, which are often seen as barriers to people applying.

Average hours per month equate to around eight, with more during periods such as Ofsted inspections.

Governors are responsible for the overall vision of the school, holding the headteacher and leadership team to account, making sure finances are in order and ensuring there are no staffing shortfalls.

Kim Palmer, chairman of the governors at Wilby CofE School joined as a parent governor in 2012 having been a physiotherapist and physio lecturer before then.

“I think there is a misconception that people do need to be educationally trained and that’s not the case.

“A lot of it is about common sense questioning and the ability to get on with people,” she said.

Mrs Howell said support networks were in place for governors, and no prior experience was needed, while employers are encouraged to allow paid time to staff who are school governors.

Mrs Palmer added: “Everybody will be able to bring something.

“People think they cannot be a governor but that doesn’t matter – all they need is to be able to do is question and work with people.”

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