UNIVERSITY of West London (UWL) staff have stepped up to support schools in Ealing during lockdown, by volunteering as governors.

They're helping to fill some of the 50 vacant governor places in the borough while addressing diversity and taking steps towards greater social mobility.

Governors play a vital role in helping set school strategy while supporting and challenging senior leadership teams to ensure excellent educational outcomes for all children.

One volunteer, Outreach Manager Krishna Maroo, has been a volunteer governor at her former secondary school, Northolt High for the past year, joining online meetings during lockdown to ensure activity isn't affected.

She said: "There is a huge shortage of governors in Ealing, both in primary and secondary schools, so to be able to give back and be involved in addressing that is so inspiring."

Professor Anthony Woodman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at UWL, said: "As a University, we recognise the importance of education at all levels, and to have so many people at the heart of our community forging these important links is another way we are having a positive impact and growing our partnerships in Ealing.

"Supporting young people and improving social mobility are central to our vision here at UWL, and by providing inspiring role models we will continue to invest in fostering fair and equal access to education, and to nurture the next generation of leaders."