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 passed 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 - joining 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 joined 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 panel 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 feedback 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 join another school and continue to put something back.

The BBC supports its staff to share their experience and leadership skills to serve as school governors and help communities.

BBC Outreach & Corporate Responsibility brings the BBC closer to its audiences - particularly those audiences we have identified as harder to reach - with face-to-face activity, community support and staff volunteering.

BBC Outreach & Corporate Responsibility Feed

A different kind of homework