A major initiative has been launched in a bid to recruit more school governors in Tendring.

The majority of schools across the district have at least one vacancy, primarily the community governor role.

Two meetings, including an information and question and answer session, are being held to encourage people to come forward.

The first takes place on Tuesday June 17 at Spring Meadow Primary School, Dovercourt, and the second at Clacton County High School on June 24, both starting at 6.30pm.

The Tendring Education Improvement Group (TEIG), made up of representatives from Essex County Council (ECC), Tendring District Council (TDC), head teachers from both primary and secondary schools and the Tendring Education Trust, has organised the meetings in response to the concerns.

TEIG was set up to jointly improve educational attainment in the district.

Graham Lancaster, lead commissioner for primary schools at ECC and TEIG member, said: “Being a school governor has never been so challenging, but also very rewarding.

“It presents an opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way to the quality of education provided for children and young people in the local area.

“ECC has set an aspiration for all Essex children to have the opportunity to attend a good or outstanding school and this is an opportunity to contribute to making that aspiration a reality in Tendring.”

The launch comes the day after the Schools Commissioner for England Frank Green told a conference of teachers in Colchester it was no bad thing that some academy trusts demanded a more “professional” approach to running schools from governors.

Mr Lancaster added there is currently a particular need for governors with financial, business, data analysis and premises management skills, but stressed the most important thing is to have an interest in learning, teaching and pupil progress.

Lynda McWilliams, councillor for well-being and partnerships at TDC, added: “School governors have such a vital role to play in school life, more so than ever before

“I would urge people to attend the meetings to find out more about what is involved and how they can help make a significant difference to the lives and education of our children.

“A number of staff at TDC are school governors and I know they find the position extremely rewarding and worthwhile. We as a council encourage them to do so as part of our role as a community leader.”