Suprised nobody has mentioned being a school governor. At this moment of time its a very important role in holding heads and local authorities to account as well as planning the future quality of schools. Have done it for over 15 years now. First as influence for my own children’s education, then out of professional interest and now as a way of safegaurding education in a rural area when closure is a possibility. I like the concept of putting something back but this lot are trying to get something for nothing.
At the moment its taking me 20 plus hours a week as chairman (person!!!) and that isn’t sustainable. I’m semi unemployed/retired so can give the time but how it could be done by somebody in full time work is beyond me. It’s like an unpaid job. The government (past and present) have heaped responsibilities on governors (hiring and firing heads, deciding who to make redundant when budgets and pupil numbers fall) without any recognition.
Cameron’s crew are trying to push groups to take responsibilities that are sometimes beyond them, and subject to inspections that will criticise them for not providing leadership!
That all sounds a bit grim reading it back, but I enjoy the work and do encourage sensiant beings (are there any on here!?!!) to get involved.
When I worked in Shitehall it was interesting how departments would always support anything if it was positive or successfull in a local area.