School governors pictured with Salford City Council Head of School Provider Arm (Primary) Vicky Ross from top: Aileen Ferguson, Elizabeth Sexton, Iain Clarke, Jane Whelan, Craig Reaper.
Salford City Council has held a special long service awards for 27 school governors who together have contributed 27 years of dedicated service to schools in the city.
The event took place at Buile Hill Hall in Salford in July, recognising some governors who have served in their roles for a minimum of 15 years, with some exceeding 40 years of service.
The governors all received a certificate, engraved pen and they were treated to afternoon tea and a musical performance by Year 6 children from St Luke’s CE Primary School.
School governors are the largest volunteer group in the country and are drawn from all walks of life.
They share a passionate belief that all children deserve to have access to effective schools.
Being a school governor can be a very rewarding job. They have the opportunity to shape the development of their local school or a school of their choice.
Councillor Bill Hinds, Executive Support Member for Education, Learning and School Improvement, said:
“Governors are the back bone of our school system, bringing a unique range of perspectives, knowledge and experience to the school environment. As well as supporting staff and championing the school, they, where necessary are responsible for challenging school leadership teams to continually improve. The role of a school governor is hugely important and the fact that individuals undertake these roles as volunteers really is a remarkable commitment.
“As we collectively strive to continue to improve education provision across Salford, I’d like to congratulate all the school governors recognised with these awards for their years of service to the local schools in our city, it is a fantastic achievement to have reached these milestones. I’d also like to thank the council teams who work to support governors year on year, guiding individuals through these roles and continuously attracting new governors.”
Some of the governors who were at the event said:
Craig Reaper Chair from Mossfield Primary School, governor for more than 15 years:
“Governance is a gift that keeps on giving. The challenge has ramped up in recent years, more and more often there are things to do which are not enjoyable, but essential to the proper running of the school. It has overall though been an absolute pleasure.”
Iain Clarke Previous Chair of The Cathedral School of St Peter & St John, governor for more than 15 years:
“The best part of being a governor is interacting with the wonderful children and the amazing, passionate and dedicated staff.”
Elizabeth Sexton, governor at Grosvenor Road Primary for over 15 years:
“It is overwhelming at times but all your efforts are to help the next generation and to make sure they get the education they need and deserve to be the best they can be.”
Jane Whelan, governor at St Thomas of Canterbury Primary school for over 15 years:
“Every child is special and a school’s job is to help each child be the best learner they can be. Governors need to encourage and support this.”
Aileen Ferguson, governor at St Thomas of Canterbury Primary School for over 20 years:
“Education is so important and to be a governor and help and support the children to achieve their potential even in a small way is an honour.”
To find out more about becoming a school governor in Salford visit: www.salford.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-governors/what-do-governors-do/
