Trevor Rees, 44, is chair of governors at Ducie high, an 11-16 comprehensive on the edge of Moss Side in Manchester which is due to become a city academy. A co-opted governor since 1993, he works for accountants KPMG.
Why become a governor?
I believed I could use my skills to help organisations who couldn’t afford to pay for them.
Has the experience fulfilled your expectations?
I feel I am doing something for the community. My only regret as chair is that I have not been able to give as much time as I would like.
What dodon’t you like?
I like being the chair because it means taking on an increasingly challenging role. It has been frustrating in the years leading up to city academy status, with falling rolls, which made funding difficult and led to a paralysing situation.
Has it changed you?
It made me more aware of things. Coming from a stable family, which many of our children have not had, makes you realise how fortunate you are. Circumstances and backgrounds have such an impact on your view of life.
What is the biggest, best or worst change you’ve seen during your time as a governor?
The worst was the turmoil we experienced, with a head who left and then a series of interim heads; it was difficult for governors and the school to maintain morale. The best is what is happening now. The new head arrived about a year ago and it is a totally different school. As a city academy it is coming out of local education authority control, with a new set of governors.
What does your family think of your commitment?
My wife’s been saying: “You said a year ago you were going to finish,” but understands it would be silly to pull out now. I feel it should be a new start in all ways, and I will stay around and see it through.
If you could wave a wand, what would you wish for the school?
Another 100 or so pupils. I would also like newspapers to raise more good news stories to change the image of Moss Side.
And who or what would you make disappear?
The inspection regime is very stressful. It should be done in a different way, perhaps with a lighter touch, throughout the year.
Who would be your ideal fantasy governor?
A figure like Alex Ferguson to raise the profile, but being in Moss Side perhaps someone from Manchester City would be more relevant.
