Please note, the young governors programme is being relaunched and application details will be available shortly.
Pilot scheme
We have launched a pilot scheme to support young adults aged 18-30 to become school governors in Hackney. Applications are now closed but you can find out more information about the scheme here.
The scheme is aimed at diversifying school governing boards, bringing young people’s experience onto boards and offering incredible experience for young adults to develop skills as part of governance and leadership boards.
About the scheme
This is a 12 month pilot project, co-produced and delivered with young adults and our governor community.
The scheme aims to:
- Diversify membership by widening knowledge, perspectives and skills of our governing boards, reflect the communities we serve and inspire greater trust
- Enhance understanding by bringing insight and lived experience about the challenges of youth experience with learning, transitioning to adulthood and seeking employment
- Offer incredible experience for young adults to participate in strategic governance and leadership, develop skills, connect with experienced professionals and benefit from the shared learning and support of a peer to peer network
The scheme is open to applicants aged 18 to 30 and who have the potential confidence skills and dedication for the role. We match successful applicants with pilot schools that have chosen to be part of the scheme.
The scheme is coordinated by our governance services team. We will:
- Ensure each successful applicant is matched with a ‘buddy’ on the governing board of their pilot school
- Offer bespoke training: co-delivered by youth leaders, our team and governors
- Offer a support network for young people – including membership of a young governors network, facilitated by our team and offering guidance and peer to peer support during the 12 months of the project
- Review and evaluate the pilot and capture the essence of what works well, what value it brings and how best to widen the programme
How to find out more
- Find out about the role of school governors:
- Contact us on governorservices@
hackney.gov.uk if you need more information
Why we need more young adults on governing boards
Young adults bring an authentic lived experience, an understanding of young people and an accurate perspective about the challenges and social injustices associated with learning, transitioning into adulthood and seeking employment.
What's in it for me?
By becoming a school governor, you can contribute to making a worthwhile difference for young people in our community.
You will gain first hand insight of strategic governance and decision-making that leads to improvements for a better and socially just society.
You will gain experience and develop skills and understanding in how schools are governed to make sure they meet the needs of all pupils, especially those who are most vulnerable and /or most disadvantaged.
You will have access to free specialist training, a buddy and peer network of support
You will get the chance to develop skills and attributes that can also help advance your own career. This will include confidence in contributing your point of view, teamwork, strategic leadership and financial planning and decision making.
What's in it for schools?
Younger voices on governing boards will re-balance knowledge and perspectives, and enhance diverse thinking. Seeing governors from younger age groups and diverse backgrounds will help nurture a stronger sense of belonging for children and their families, leading to more informed decision making that helps inclusive schools to thrive.
What would I be committing to?
As an associate governor, you will be committing to about 4 to 5 hours per month outside of working hours. You will attend at least 3 governing board meetings per year, need time to read papers beforehand and also have time to attend training and networking opportunities.