This Sunday sees the start of Volunteers' Week, the UK's annual celebration of volunteering. School governors are, arguably, the largest volunteer force in England. But, as VICKY PASSINGHAM reports, they are always in need of more members.

The myth about who can or cannot be a school governor is similar to the stereotypical view of any volunteer.

They have to be retired for a start, possibly some sort of former colonel, and are either highly educated, or once have had a high-powered job.

The reality couldn't be further from the truth but that doesn't stop the myth keeping many would-be good school governors from getting involved.

There is always a need for school governors. North Essex may be better-off than other parts of the country - in Colchester there are currently about 61 vacancies and in Tendring 55 - but the need is there all the same.

The success of any governing body is to have a diverse mix of people. After all, with every child being an individual, it pays to have a wide mix of people in the school decision-making process.

From the stay-at-home mother to the retired accountant, the most important quality needed to succeed as a governor is a desire to help provide children with the best possible education.

"They have got to have a passion to make the school great and to make it the best it can be," explained Debbi Botham, an Essex County Council governor services officer.

With the Government driving towards schools having more "community cohesion" - schools will be inspected on this from September - getting a wider mix of governors from within the community is as important as ever.

Mrs Botham, who is a governor herself, said: "A really good mix of people means they bring different viewpoints and skills with them".

She remembers that her first year as a governor was a "steep learning curve".

But with "buddy schemes" for new governors linking up with existing governors and induction courses, support is there from the start.

The workload depends on each governor. There is usually a minimum of two meetings a term; any more involvement is up to them.

For Mrs Botham, the rewards are more than worth the work she puts in.

"You get a real sense of satisfaction that you are taking the school forward. It is great when you go into the school and see the impact of what you decided in a meeting room, and that it has made a difference to the children."

With their decisions having a real affect on children's education, surely this could prove too much of a burden for some people?

Not so, according to Roger Dennis, a governor at St Michael's Primary School in Colchester. "The responsibility is shared because I am part of a good team."

After a demanding job in London, Mr Dennis wanted to do something when he retired to "keep my brain active".

He decided to become a school governor and chose St Michael's as it had a good management team, but had the challenge of changing pupils as many are from Army families.

"I thought it was something I could work with," he remembered.

As for the qualities needed to be a governor: "You have got to be interested in children and not just education in a vacuum," he explained.

It is a role he is pleased to have taken on.

"The children are a delight," he said, talking about his time observing the lessons.

Gail Thomas, head of St Michael's, is under no illusions of the importance of school governors - they where the ones who chose her for the top job six weeks ago.

"It is good to have governors from all walks of life as they bring different skills and expertise to help the school," she explained.

With a military background, it was no surprise a friend persuaded Margaret Meen to become a governor at St Michael's.

Her three children had to move schools depending on where she and her husband were posted, so Mrs Meen knows exactly what problems it can bring for the children.

She loves her role of governor, but feels more needs to be made of the important role they play to get more people interested in joining.

"I'm up to my ears in it," she said laughing, "but I find it interesting and very enjoyable."

Being part of the school and enjoying see the children enjoying their education is what makes her role as a governor so special.

Helping get the best education for any child must be more than rewarding itself.

SCHOOL GOVERNORS' ONE-STOP SHOP

School Governors' One-Stop Shop is a national charity that recruits and places school governor volunteers across England.

As a collective group, governors have responsibility for matters such as planning the school's long-term future, allocating budgets and appointing senior staff.

Governing bodies comprise representatives from the school staff, the local authority, the local community, and parents.

For more details about School Governors' One-Stop Shop contact Vicky Gregson on 020 7288 9533, vicky.gregson@sgoss.org or the website below