FSB: Small businesses urged to sign up as school governors

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and national charity School Governors’ One Stop Shop (SGOSS) will today mark Enterprise Week by entering into a Memorandum of Understanding to encourage more small employers and their employees to become school governors.

The FSB values the work of school governors and is encouraging more of its members to sign up to ensure that small enterprises are adequately represented in the education system. The FSB hopes that more governors from the SME business community will help ensure that students are aware of the benefits of running and working in a small business.

John Wright, FSB National Chairman, said:

“The Federation of Small Businesses would like to see more small business owners becoming school governors and helping to encourage more young people, the entrepreneurs of the future, to realise that working for a large business is not the only option, and to consider starting their own business. We feel the SGOSS will help many employers participate in this tremendously worthwhile role.”

Steve Acklam, SGOSS Chief Executive, said:

“The schools of today have become increasingly autonomous, with budget allocations, strategic planning and senior appointments all within the remit of the Governing Body. In this environment, the skills and experiences of small business owners and employees can be invaluable. The School Governors’ One-Stop Shop is delighted to be working in partnership with the Federation of Small Business to bring more of their members into the largest group of volunteers in the country.”

Anyone who wants to volunteer to become a school governor can apply through the free services of the School Governors’ One-Stop Shop by calling 020 7354 9805 or apply online at www.sgoss.org.uk.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. The FSB is Britain’s biggest business organisation with over 215,000 members. It exists to protect and promote the interests of the self-employed, and all those who run their own business. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk.

2. The SGOSS is a small but highly successful charity dedicated to recruiting volunteers with transferable skills to serve as governors in schools across England. All of their services are free.

3. The Governing Body acts as the board of directors of a school. Working as a collective, Governors set the strategic direction of the school, allocate the budget and appoint and evaluate the Head Teacher. Business people can put their skills and experience to work on the challenges facing a modern school.

Contacts:

Stephen Alambritis: 020 7592 8112/07788 422155
Sophie Kummer: 020 7592 8128/07917628998
Prue Watson 020 7592 8121/07825 125695
Marc Shoffman 020 7592 8113/07595 067068

For regional FSB contacts please go to www.fsb.org.uk/regions