PEOPLE with a passion for education and a desire to help their community are being sought to become school governors in East Sussex.

Many schools across the county urgently need new volunteers to join governing bodies from September, with a particular shortage of candidates in Hastings, Hailsham, Newhaven and Peacehaven.

Governors work closely with head teachers to raise school standards by setting strategic direction, monitoring performance and ensuring finances are appropriately spent.

Applicants don’t need to be experts in education as free training is offered by East Sussex County Council, which has teamed up with the charity SGOSS to match potential governors with schools who could benefit from their services.

Cllr Nick Bennett, county council lead member for learning and school effectiveness, said: “Governors play a vital role in providing strategic leadership and ensuring schools are accountable to the communities they serve.

“To be as effective as possible, governing bodies need people from all walks of life, who can offer a wide range of skills and life experience.

“Volunteers can benefit from learning new skills and enjoy the satisfaction of making a real contribution to their community.

“Governors make a difference to people’s lives as they work to ensure schools give pupils the best possible education and the best chance of a bright future.”

Professional skills which governing bodies may particularly need include finances, human resources and project management.

Anyone interested can find out more online at www.becomeagovernor.com or by calling Hannah Riley on 020 7288 9534 or emailing hannah.riley@sgoss.org.uk