Catholic Academy Trusts in the Diocese of Leeds are reporting a ‘meteoric’ rise in the recruitment of Foundation Governors. Vacancies for Foundation Governors in Trust schools have fallen sharply as the Vicariate for Education and Governance Officers in the Diocese’s five Catholic Academy Trusts have collaborated together successfully to buck the trend across the UK, where state schools have for some time struggled to appoint Governors.
Many of the new Governors hail from diverse backgrounds. Monsignor Paul Grogan, Episcopal Vicar for Education, said: ‘At a recent Mass in my parish, eight new governors of African provenance have signed up!’
One of the new Foundation Governors, Francis Nwachukwu (pictured, inset image, left) of St Joseph’s Parish in Bradford, previously worked with the Catholic Archdiocesan Education Commission in Imo State, Nigeria, where he served as an RE teacher. He has supported Catholic education and catechesis in mission schools, helping to ensure that children are firmly grounded in their faith. Francis said: ‘I wish to serve as a governor in Catholic schools to support pupils in strengthening their faith and deepening their understanding of Church teachings. I am particularly committed to promoting knowledge of the sacraments, encouraging pupils to receive the sacraments of initiation, and helping them appreciate the importance of regular participation in Holy Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.’
As practising Catholics directly representing the Bishop, Foundation Governors and Directors are central to the governance of Catholic schools. Their commitment as volunteers is invaluable. Alongside the Vicariate for Education, Trust Governance Officers play a key role in recruitment, training, and ongoing support, ensuring governors and directors are well equipped to fulfil their roles effectively.
David Hymas (pictured, inset image, right) is Governance Manager and Lead for Catholic Life at the Blessed Peter Snow Catholic Academy Trust (BPSCAT) across Kirklees and Calderdale, and Bradford’s Blessed Christopher Wharton Catholic Academy Trust (BCWCAT). He reports that there are now only a few vacancies to be filled: ‘Over the past twelve months, we have recruited a number of new Foundation Governors, each bringing a wide range of skills and experience. Recently, six of these governors were recruited following an African Mass celebrated at St Winefride’s in Bradford. Our new governors include professionals working in the NHS, lecturers at Bradford University, and one individual who currently serves as a governor in a non-Catholic school and is now moving into Catholic education.’
Chris Hanson, the BPSCAT and BCWCAT Interim CEO added: ‘This meteoric increase in governors will undoubtedly have a widespread impact on our pupils, their families and the wider communities we serve.’
Diocese of Leeds Director of Education, Kieron Flood, said: ‘We are lucky to have people who not only share their God-given skills and talents as governors but also understand the context of the schools and communities that they serve. Appointed by the Bishop they ensure the school is truly and authentically Catholic, living its Mission with Catholic Social Teaching at its heart, as well as supporting the strategic oversight.
The recruitment strategy is clearly paying dividends in both the quality and numbers of Governors and Directors now in post. I take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all in ensuring the future of our Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Leeds.’
Find out more about Catholic education in the Diocese of Leeds
