Liam Benson and Claire McGregor who both work at the Cumberland Building Society are highlighting the essential role governors have in education as part of National School Governors Awareness Day which takes place on Wednesday February 28.
The day turns the spotlight on the role of the UK’s 300,00 school governors who are all volunteers, but they play a crucial role in setting direction, holding people to account and ensuring funding in schools is well managed.
Alongside his role as Payments Product Owner at the building society, also volunteers his skills and business acumen at two schools.
He said: “A school is a complex machine of learning, curriculum, targets, financial management, safeguarding…the list is endless.
“I am proud to help shape the vision and ambition of the schools I work with. The experience has had a huge impact on me personally and professionally. I’ve seen an impact on my own leadership and career but also how I approach life.”
Liam’s two children Thomas, 10, and Nancy, 8, are both pupils at Thursby Primary School where Liam is proud to play a part in ensuring that the school continues to thrive. He is also chair of Governors at Cumwinton Primary School as well as running a local cub and scout pack.
Governors come from all sorts of backgrounds, all ensuring a careful balance is struck between the wellbeing of pupils and teachers, and the financial and workload pressures that come with running a school.
Cumberland People Business Partner Claire McGregor is a governor at St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary and Nursery School in Wigton.
She took on the role pre-Covid and stuck with it through an incredibly tough time for students and staff.
“We had some very difficult decisions to make in terms of when the school should open or close and how to keep everyone connected,” she said. “I remember this incredible sense of community with people looking out for one another and the school was at the heart of this.
“We were bursting with pride when we bucked the trend on declining levels of literacy and numeracy. Education is vital in building the skills of the next generation and I am so proud to be involved.”
For people interested in becoming a school governor you can find out more and apply on the gov.uk website, or by contacting your local school directly.
The Cumberland has also recently entered year two of its partnership with EVERFI, an organisation that provides free teaching and learning resources for schools. In year one, the Cumberland’s programme was delivered to over 700 pupils in 26 schools across the region.