I was appointed by the Hackney Local Education Authority as a Governor of Princess May Primary School in early 2006.

It was apparent that the school faced a series of challenges and, despite the huge commitment of staff and management, Governors were keen to increase the pace of change. By the summer, I was asked to stand as Chair of the Governing Body, which I considered carefully before accepting.

Almost immediately, my work began. One of my priorities was to strengthen the already committed Governing Body. In particular, I identified where we might benefit from having Governors with specific expertise. We have since recruited new Governors from the teacher and parent bodies and from industry - not least an accountant, a human resources manager and a trainee solicitor.

Since my appointment, we secured the secondment of a hugely experienced Headteacher from another school in the borough, and have since recruited a new, permanent Headteacher. His brief: "to raise standards and give our children the best start in life" - quite a job, but one that the school's Governors fully support. Being a Governor (and especially the Chair) is a huge commitment. However, it is one of the most rewarding challenges I have ever undertaken.

The School Governors Programme is, in my view, an excellent initiative. Not only does it allow me to give back to my local community in Hackney, it gives me the opportunity to develop my leadership and management skills.