Volunteering as a school governor is worthwhile

Peta Houlden, BBC Safety Advisor, English Regions & Drama has been volunteering with Outreach as a school governor.

BBC Outreach holds a partnership with SGOSS – Governors for Schools, which matches BBC volunteers with governor vacancies in schools across English regions.

"I realise how much I have learnt and put into use in my personal and professional life".

I found volunteering at my children’s primary school most rewarding. By chance, a very exciting opportunity to volunteer as a governor in another school came out of a lunchtime session I attended with BBC Outreach.

You might think that my experience as a BBC Safety Advisor who advises dramas about stunts, explosions and special effects would not be applicable to working as a School Governor. However, St. Michael’s C. of E. Primary Academy, in Handsworth, Birmingham, took a leap of faith and welcomed me into their school community.

On my first visit to meet the inspirational Executive Head teacher Ava Sturridge-Packer CBE and her fantastic team, I took part in the weekly Celebration Assembly and I was hooked. I wanted to be part of the atmosphere and school’s ethos which works to create excellence and makes sure everyone can achieve their potential.

The school community celebrates the different faiths and cultures of the children and staff, and produces an environment that is fun and energising, from the bright colourful 3D collages on the walls to the incredible singing of the choir. Watch this space for future participants of The Voice! I am enthused over what can be achieved, following my time spent here.

As a new school governor, I admit that I was nervous. The governing body which was led by Fr Brian Hall was very welcoming, although I wasn’t sure how I could add anything. While working with the Executive Deputy and Head of School, Jo Booker, we revised all of the health and safety policies and guidance. Finally I felt as though I had deserved my place.

There was so much to learn, however a number of fabulous courses I attended were very useful and gave me a chance to chat to other school governors in a similar position to me.

Since December 2014 I have been a school governor, and on reflection I realise how much I have learnt and put into use in my personal and professional life - it’s about mixing up the way people learn, and getting the message across and making it accessible to everyone in my BBC job. In my everyday life I have learnt to take time to celebrate the small things that happen and make a big impact on achievement, and to improve my wellbeing and quality of life.

It has given me food for thought; how the ethos provides a place to nurture individuals within a multi-faith community and this allows the school to make huge progress when dealing with difficulties. However, most of all, I love it - and I am really looking forward to the next three years as a school governor.

BBC Outreach holds a partnership with SGOSS – Governors for Schools, which matches volunteers with governor vacancies in schools across England. You don’t need to have children at a school to be considered as a governor. For more information about applying as a member of BBC staff, : please use the following link