Lancashire County Council is looking to recruit people from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of experience to become school governors.

School governors are volunteers who support the effective running of schools across the county. They work together with the headteacher of the school and the local authority to improve outcomes for all pupils and education in local schools. Their role is fundamental in determining the success of a school.

Governors are appointed for a term of four years, although there may be differences at individual schools. Some of their responsibilities include:

• Planning for the school's long-term future
• Setting the aims and objectives for the school
• Setting the targets for achieving those aims and objectives
• Monitoring the overall performance of the school
• Allocating and monitoring budgets
• Making sure that the school provides for all pupils including those with disabilities and special needs
• Being a source of challenge and support for the Head teacher
• Appointing senior members of staff.

The role gives people the chance to use existing skills, and develop new ones. People from as wide a range of backgrounds as possible are invited to apply.

The only requirements are that people are:

• Aged 18 or over
• Keen to make a positive difference to the education of local children
• Able to get on with other people and work as part of a team
• Willing to attend regular meetings and to read necessary papers
• Ready to learn and be open to new ideas
• Willing to put something into your local community

No formal qualifications are required and full training and support will be given to make sure people are fully equipped to carry out the role successfully.

County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, Chair of Lancashire's Governors Panel, said: "Despite popular misconceptions, we want school governors from all walks of life. You don't even need to be a parent or to have worked in education.

"We are really interested in hearing from a broad range of people to gain from their wisdom and experience. We want our governors to reflect our Lancashire communities and include representatives from as many backgrounds as possible.

"Becoming a governor is a great way to contribute to your local community and improve the lives of local children.

"Governors can make an enormous difference to the performance and attainment of a school. The most important role of a governing body is to ensure pupils are getting the best education they can and we want keen and committed people to apply. As long as you have an interest in education, schools and young people, there is no reason why you can't be a governor at a Lancashire school.

"School governors have a pivotal role in setting ambitious standards, holding headteachers to account and ensuring money is well spent. Stronger governing bodies drive aspiration in schools and help young people get on in life.

"It is vital that we continue to attract high-calibre committed governors to these roles - people with a good mix of skills and backgrounds who can bring different viewpoints, experience and fresh ideas with them.

"We also want to encourage more employers to support their staff to volunteer as governors and to promote governance as an important development opportunity for their staff - because the skills you develop as a governor will pay dividends in the workplace too."

All schools are required to have a governing body. Governing bodies also have a responsibility to the wider community.

Governors are appointed for a term of four years, although there may be differences at individual schools.

To find out more visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/schools or please contact the Lancashire Governor Services Central Team on 01257 516147 or email governors.central@lancashire.gov.uk.