Meet Debbie

Debbie joined Wildground Federation in 2013 and became Chair of Governors in 2018. She has witnessed the journey the schools have been on since federating and has been an active governor during the last three Ofsted inspections.

Why did you become a school governor?

When I signed my son up for the local pre-school I was approached by the Chair of Governors at the time and asked if I was interested in being a member of the governing body.

I thought it would be a good way of understanding the education system and a way that I could support the school that my child would attend. So, I said yes, completed my application form and I was then appointed to the board.

Did you have any concerns about applying for a governor role?

Yes, I was concerned about the level of responsibility that the governing body had and whilst I was keen to support the federation, I wasn’t sure about the level of accountability that I had as an individual.

I started off by taking a few link roles and getting to know what it meant to be a governor and by immersing myself in the training programmes available. Slowly, over the years, I grew in confidence within the governing body and won the respect of the school leaders and my fellow governors.

When situations arose where I needed to be the ‘responsible’ governor, I sought the advice of Hampshire Governor Services and my governor colleagues and with their guidance stepped up and have been able to successfully fulfil my roles.

Which key skills and knowledge do you bring to your board?

I brought with me management and marketing experience. I run my own IT Training and Consultancy business, and so have IT skills and data analysis skills. I can also think strategically and I know how to map out processes and then follow them.

What skills have you gained since becoming a school governor which have been useful in other areas of your life?

I have gained a knowledge of budgeting and analysing budgets. I have learned more about managing people and a great deal more about interviewing and recruitment.

I knew nothing of safeguarding but now feel confident about our role as governors, to ensure children are kept safe. I have learned how to effectively chair meetings, keeping discussions on track and ensuring governors address all important aspects of the meeting. I actively encourage all governors to participate in meetings and share their perspectives.

These skills have been learnt through governance, and I have been able to use them in my professional and personal life too.

What do you most enjoy about being a school governor?

The feeling of making a difference and helping the schools to be the best, for the benefit of the children that attend them.

I feel valued by the leadership team at Wildground Federation and know that my contribution as a governor is appreciated by them.

I feel passionate about supporting the federation in its commitment to “Learn and Succeed together for the Journey Ahead”.

What has been your greatest achievement as a governor?

Over the years, I feel that I have actively helped promote the federation and have had an impact on community perception which has had a positive impact on admission figures.

I have had input in strategic decision making, particularly when federating with the pre-school to create a nursery setting and extending our provision.

I have brought Wildground Federation to the attention of people within the county’s education department, to help them understand the amazing work that we do (and as a consequence, our Executive Headteacher is now able to contribute to discussions at county level). Her input is much appreciated.

I have supported the federation through three Ofsted inspections and feel very proud about the outcomes on each occasion.

I have also supported our Executive Headteacher through some challenging situations and have been able to act as a sounding board. I have been a governor for a long time and there are many moments that I am proud to have been a part of!

How have you made a positive difference to the provision and outcomes of the children in your school?

I have helped the federation make strategic decisions on school improvement and monitored safeguarding within the federation, which helps to ensure that there is a safe environment for the children.

I have also monitored the curriculum and subject development across the federation, which helps governors to know that the schools are always seeking to improve for the benefit of the children.

I have been a contributor to the Executive Headteacher performance management process for a number of years.

I very much enjoy supporting and mentoring new governors too, to help them to become effective members of the board.

All our activities as a board seek to impact positively on the provision and outcomes for the children in the schools.

Why should somebody become a school governor?

Being a school governor is a wonderful way to volunteer and to invest your time and skills. All children are our future, so what better way is there, as a non-education professional, to support their development and growth as individuals?

School governance encompasses many responsibilities, however, don’t be put off.

No-one expects you to be an expert instantly and there is a lot of support available to those that join the school governance community.