For today’s blog, we celebrate CCCU staff members Ben MacPhee, Chief Executive Officer for CCCU Student Union, and Caroline Demetriou Sport & Active Health Head of Business Services, who volunteer as school governors. Their journeys highlight the impact of volunteering on personal growth and community enrichment. Through their words, you’ll gain insight into the motivations, challenges, and rewards of being a school governor, and perhaps be inspired to embark on your own path of community service. 

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Ben MacPhee, Chief Executive Officer for CCCU Student Union

What inspired you to want to become a school governor?

Honestly, a small part of it was wanting to become involved in some way in the school I hoped my children would go to one day, so there was an element of self-interest.  However, the major reason was that I felt I wanted to give something back by offering my time and skills to a community organisation that could make use of them.  Due to relocating my children didn’t actually end up going to that school, but I’m still on the Governing Body nine years later as I have really enjoyed giving back and supporting the school, its leadership, and the children.   

What do you think you have learnt/gained from being a governor?

An awful lot, even if much of my involvement has been an extension of what I do in my paid job at the University such as finance, governance, H&S, leadership development, etc. the fact it is in a different context has meant there has been much to learn, and gain.  But having said that, I have also had the opportunity to learn, and gain hard skills such as meeting chairing, data analysis, and H&S management, that I wouldn’t have otherwise because of the extensive training and development offered for free by schools. Aside from that, being a school governor has also helped build ‘soft’ skills such as stakeholder management and I’ve gained a great network of connections locally.

What do you think you have brought to the Governing Board – your skills, expertise etc?

Personally, I’ve brought expertise in governance, finance, and strategy.  However, all governing bodies need a range of skills and expertise to be successful and make sound decisions and so I’m a firm believer that almost everybody would have something to offer – it is just about finding the school that has the gap you can fill.   

From your time as a Governor what has been your highlight/most memorable moment?

I’ve been a deputy and a chair of my governing body, and it hasn’t always been easy, but the overall highlight has been playing a small part in supporting the school through a challenging change in staff leadership and seeing that leadership flourish for the benefit of the whole school and the children. In terms of memory, on a learning walk in the School I once asked a child in year 1 if they felt safe in the School, to which the reply was “no”.  His manner of delivery made me brace for a serious safeguarding disclosure, but when I asked him why that was he replied “because he saw a fox on the playground”.  You can always expect the children to make you smile, especially in an infant school!

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Caroline Demetriou Sport & Active Health Head of Business Services

What inspired you to want to become a school governor? 

I knew about the opportunity to be a governor due to Inspiring Governance sitting in our department.  I felt that I had time to give back and wanted to make a difference in my area.

What do you think you have learnt/gained from being a governor?

I have learned a lot about how schools run, the challenges that they have and what can be done to help.  I have had a lot of training to help me make good decisions, give good advice and to make sure that I ask probing questions of the school to ensure that everything is being done properly and that the children and staff are getting the best support and experience possible. I have also learned how vital it is to read the papers for each meeting and to be prepared for the sessions.

What do you think you have brought to the Governing Board – your skills, expertise etc? 

I am responsible for Health and Safety and for Personal Development as specific roles, however it is a small committee, and all are required to offer their expertise on all areas, but I have been able to be of use regarding the Risk Register, Business planning and governor skills assessment as well.

From your time as a Governor what has been your highlight/most memorable moment?

I have only been a governor for a year but preparing for Ofsted has been the most memorable time to date.  The highlight is always being able to go into the school and meet the children and staff and feel the great atmosphere.

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Have these stories inspired you to think about supporting your local community?