Westminster Diocese Education Service
Education Board
Archbishop’s HouseAmbrosden Avenue
Westminster
London SW1P 1QJ
Tel: 0171 798 9034
Fax: 0171 798 9077
FOUNDATION GOVERNORS OF CATHOLIC MAINTAINED SCHOOLS
IN DIOCESAN TRUSTEESHIP
All Catholic schools seek to provide an education in which "whole lives may be inspired by the Spirit of Christ" (Gravissimum Educationis paragraph 3). The Area bishop or Episcopal Vicar has pastoral responsibility for all the Catholic schools in his area. For Voluntary Aided schools, in Diocesan Trusteeship, the Area bishop or Episcopal Vicar will recommend to the Archbishop of Westminster those to be appointed as foundation governors.
Foundation Governors form the majority on a school's governing body. Recent legislation makes it absolutely essential that only Catholics are appointed as foundation governors who by their standing in the local Catholic community give clear witness to their faith as individuals and in their corporate action, to the Gospel message and the Church's teachings. This task is described more fully in the attached statement "ON THE PHILOSOPHY OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION."
Voluntary service as a governor is an important share in the Church's ministry in education and requires:
Commitment to the responsibility of Westminster Diocese to provide, through a network of schools, educational opportunities for all Catholic children.
Genuine interest in the school, its pupils, staff and parents and a commitment to promoting its well-being.
Readiness to share skills with, and learn from, fellow governors and school staff and parents.
The ability to work as a team with fellow governors, including non-foundation governors, maintaining fidelity to the task of Catholic Education.
Time to prepare for, and attend governors meetings (at least two a term).
In times of rapid changes, all governors, however long they have served, are on a "learning curve". New applicants should not be deterred by lack of experience in education if they have a genuine desire to serve the mission of the Church.
By way of support governors have access by telephone and by correspondence to advice and guidance from the offices of the WDES at Vaughan House, 46 Francis Street (020 7798 9005) and are advised
to attend, as their time allows, governors' training sessions provided by both the Diocese and the school's Local Education Authority.
If you can offer to serve please return the completed application form to your Area Bishop or Episcopal Vicar at the address on the top of the form. Consideration will be given by the Area Bishop or Episcopal Vicar to all applications from practising Catholics who have a clear commitment to the Church's teaching and to the education of children in Catholic schools. The following additional criteria apply:
Applicants' children (if any of statutory school age) are being educated in Catholic schools (other than in exceptional circumstances)
The applicant does not work in the school for which the application applies and is not closely related to any member of the staff at that school
The applicant does not work at another Catholic school in the same LEA or deanery as the one for which service as a governor is offered
The applicant is not closely related to an existing governor (whether elected or appointed) of the school for which service is offered
When a governor has received the deed of appointment and the clerk written confirmation of the appointment, the governor may commence service from the date indicated on the deed.
JANUARY 1999