We need you to help shape the future of our schools
Do you want to make a real difference to a United Synagogue School?
Do you want to use some of your experience and skills in a United Synagogue School?
Don’t know who to ask or where to go next?
Becoming a Foundation Governor of one of the eleven United Synagogue schools, allows you to shape the education our children receive. Foundation Governors make an important contribution to our local community and the wider Jewish future.
What does the role of United Synagogue School Foundation Governor involve?
As part of the Governing body of the school, you should be clear in your vision for the school and how, together with the school leadership team, you can achieve this, within the law.
You should be confident that you understand the clear separation of roles and responsibilities.
You should be able to hold school leaders to account for improving outcomes for all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged.
You should be clear about how your school ensures that its young people are well prepared to be responsible citizens in Britain.
You should be prepared to uphold the US school’s ethos and vision statement and be able to demonstrate this in your personal life.
What sort of expertise should a Foundation Governor have?
There is no ‘perfect answer’ to this question, as each school will have slightly different needs at any one time, but we will be especially interested in anyone who has some educational, financial, legal, fundraising or property skills. However, the most important expertise is the willingness to work as part of a team for the benefit of the school and the United Synagogue.
What qualifications do I need to become a US Foundation Governor?
You must be a committed member of the United Synagogue, with an understanding that the role of a US Foundation Governor is more than that of a parent governor or any other category of governor. We will interview you and we provide a detailed welcome pack so that you are clear as to the role.
How much time does the role require?
This is a difficult question to answer.
Meetings of the full Governing Body are held once or twice a term, but most of the work is undertaken by smaller committees which report and make recommendations to the full Governing Body on a regular basis. Every governor is expected to become involved in at least one of these committees. Meetings are mostly held in an evening. ‘Walk the school’ visits would certainly be encouraged but, of course, only in coordination with – and accompanied by – the headteacher. Perhaps an average of four or five hours per month at the start would be a reasonable estimate.
Will I get any training?
The United Synagogue offers free training sessions for all new US Foundation Governors and many local authorities also offer programmes
Still interested?
Then please email Tamar Berman at [email protected]
