Have you ever thought about becoming a Foundation Governor in a Catholic school? It is very rewarding and a great way to live out your faith and serve your local community.
It is also an opportunity to learn new skills which can have a positive impact on your own self-development.
The Diocese of Brentwood covers all Catholic schools in Essex, Thurrock, Southend, Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Newham, Waltham Forest and Redbridge.
Key facts about Foundation Governors in Catholic schools
What does a Foundation Governor do?
Foundation Governors are appointed by the Bishop Alan to represent his education policy in the school. They preserve and develop the Catholic ethos of the school.
As a Foundation Governor, you are a member of a governing body, which is a corporate team. The governing body works with the headteacher to set high expectations and drive school improvement with a focus on:
- preserving and developing the Catholic character of the school on behalf of Bishop Alan
- setting the vision, ethos and strategic direction of the school
- holding the headteacher and leadership team to account
- overseeing the financial performance of the school
What are the time commitments?
The average Foundation Governor role will take up to 10 hours a term including attending one governing body meeting per term and, typically, serving on one committee. You will need to be able to attend meetings regularly and have time to read the paperwork and get to know the school well.
You are also expected to demonstrate commitment to fulfilling your role responsibly through your ongoing training and development. A range of governor training, including Induction and on-line learning, are available through the Diocese.
Who can be a Foundation Governor?
You must be over 18 and a practicing Catholic.
You must not be related to any staff or governors at the school where you are appointed.
Full details can be found in the link to Diocesan expectations below:
Our schools benefit from governors with a wide range of skills or life experience which contribute to the success of the school, including skills acquired through professional careers, previous experience as a school governor or other voluntary role, or experience of working with children and young people.
However, the most important attributes are a passion for school improvement to enable every child to reach their potential, and a commitment to playing an active part whilst working as part of a team.
What is the application process?
If you are interested in becoming a governor at one of our schools, we’d love to hear from you.
Here is a list of current vacancies.
If you are interested in becoming a governor at one of our schools, we’d love to hear from you.
Here is the application form
Please email [email protected] if you would like further information.