Volunteering as a school governor is rewarding and stretching, as James Coatsworth explains.
'Coming from the outside world I was able to help them with different thinking and different approaches'
I never thought that one day I'd be grilled by an Ofsted inspector, but there I was on my way to work for the BBC in audience research for News in London when the call came that tomorrow I was expected to be interviewed by one.
I was the deputy chair of governors at a state primary school in a London borough and discovered it's true that Ofsted announces its visit with little time to prepare - I was nervous.
They ask really probing questions - not just to the head and teachers, but to governors, too - you need to know your school. I drew on my experience of BBC interviews, and I ed the 'exam'. We all felt proud when we learned our result was good with points towards outstanding.
The main thing that encouraged me to become a school governor was volunteering in the 2012 Olympics. I really enjoyed doing something for the local community - so becoming a school governor seemed to make so much sense.
A friend recommended I go through the BBC Outreach school governor matching scheme and was successful at the second school I applied for. I did my homework on them, reading their website and their previous Ofsted report.
When I was appointed there was training and I think I brought to the role the analysis, rigour and project management that I use at work.
It's like enlightening curiosity. I was able to ask what some might think are stupid questions - but I learned there is no such thing, and I was possibly asking at meetings what others felt less able to ask.
I found it fascinating. Thoroughly enjoyable and I did three years - ing shortly after the arrival of new headteacher. I began with a sense of change coming in that I was part of.
I was probably their youngest governor, and when I was elected deputy chair I was so proud.
Coming from the outside world I was able to help them with different thinking and different approaches. The governing body I ed developed to become a shrewder operation.
There was one matter where the head teacher wanted to achieve something but was not making any progress because the other party was not responding. At the BBC I wasn't used to this so I suggested doing a few things to cut through and within 24 hours they had an answer.
A pilot project to make videos for parents to help with maths homework has become business as usual.
And I was on the interview for a new clerk who has turned out to be a star.
I don't have children and it wasn't an issue. It's really important for schools to have independent governors - not biased, not with children at the school, and not a vested interest - like BBC impartiality.
There is a responsibility that you can't take lightly, but for most it is a positive experience.
What I'd say to BBC staff is that you are valued for your skills and experience. It's good to have interesting things outside your work life - something else important to focus on. Plus, I got about the BBC at every meeting!
At work in the BBC I've drawn on things from being a school governor.
I work in Salford now and I'm hopeful that I'll be able to another school and continue to put something back.
