May 2011

The know zone

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  • Perfect fit
    Charity SGOSS tracks down people with management skills for governor posts in schools and colleges. More
  • Adding value
    One of the many jobs to be done when converting to academy status is to notify your suppliers of the new you, but it appears a simple letter to your energy supplier is not enough. More
  • Cries to review review
    The Wolf Review has recommended limiting vocational learning for under-16s to no more than 20 per cent of a pupil’s timetable. Is it the best way forward and does it send the right message about education and skills in the 21st century? And where does it leave personalised learning? School and college leaders share their thoughts. More
  • Crash test dummies?
    In this excerpt from his first address to ASCL Annual Conference as general secretary, Brian Lightman reviews the performance of the coalition government to date and considers the criticism that it has “thrown the education system into reverse”. More
  • Token rewards
    When there are market forces at work in school and the wider community, you need to bring your inner-entrepreneur to the fore, says Carl Sugden. More
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Charity SGOSS tracks down people with management skills for governor posts in schools and colleges.

PERFECT FIT

What is SGOSS and what is its aim?

School Governors’ One-Stop Shop (SGOSS) is a small charity launched in 1999 by Estelle Morris in support of the school leadership strand of Excellence in Cities. Its aim is “Recruiting governors with management skills for schools that need them most.”

It recruits across all sectors, and works in partnership with authorities, schools and colleges to secure mutually beneficial matches. Its services are available to all local authorities, colleges and maintained schools in England, and free to all.

Who is it for?

The charity works with local authorities, schools and colleges which have vacancies, some of which could be hard to fill. For the former this could be a significant number; for a school or college the need could be for particular skills to complement those on the existing governing body.

Who is involved?

Trustees include the Department for Education, KPMG, the City of London Corporation, BP, and United Biscuits. The organisation has signed memoranda of understanding with the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, Business in the Community and the Federation of Small Businesses, and has regular dialogue with both the National Governors’ Association and the National Coordinators of Governor Services.

“From launch we have sought to build partnerships and avoid duplication and potential conflict,” says Steve Acklam, SGOSS chief executive.

What resources does it provide to schools and colleges?

SGOSS collates details of vacancies either directly from the school or college or via the LA, and searches its database for details of suitable volunteers. Relevant information is passed on within 48 working hours. If there is nothing immediately available SGOSS institutes recruitment through supporting employer networks, or in agreement with the school or college, among the wider local community. Associated materials are available as hard copy or electronically and notification of vacancies can be made online. These services are free.

What does research say?

Independent research among serving governors recruited by SGOSS showed a high proportion were elected as chair or vice-chair of the whole governing body or chair of a supporting committee and that SGOSS recruits normally complete their four-year term of office.

Subsequent research among heads and chairs with SGOSS-recruited governors on the governing body found that SGOSS governors were valuable in fulfilling challenging, monitoring and evaluating roles; demonstrated an ability to assimilate information quickly, ask the relevant questions, approach issues from a strategic standpoint and stay objective; and demonstrated excellent attendance and commitment.

What events are planned for this year?

SGOSS plans to carry out further research into the impact of its volunteers during 2011. Funding constraints rule out conferences or seminars but, through its partnerships, the organisation aims to make its materials available to school and college leaders and senior managers.

What other activities is the organisation involved in?

It provides advice and support for the volunteers it recruits.

Further information

To find out more about SGOSS call 0207 354 9805, email info@sgoss.org.uk or visit www.sgoss.org.uk

Perfect fit

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