Could your experience, curiosity and fresh perspective help shape the future of a local Catholic school?
The Archdiocese of Southwark is looking for enthusiastic and committed volunteers to join our governing board. You do not need to work in education or have previous governance experience. We are interested in people who care about Catholic education, can consider issues thoughtfully and are willing to ask constructive questions.
School governors play an important strategic role. Working as a team, our governors help ensure that schools have a clear direction, provide the best possible education for every pupil and uses its resources effectively. As representatives of the Archbishop, you will uphold the Catholic ethos of the school and move schools towards the Archbishop’s vision for Catholic Education.
What will you do?
As a governor, you will help the governing board to:
Shape the school’s Catholic Mission, vision, ethos and strategic direction
Support and constructively challenge school leaders
Monitor pupils’ educational performance and wellbeing
Help ensure that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, can access a high-quality education
Oversee the school’s finances and ensure public money is used effectively
Review policies and monitor the school’s compliance with its statutory responsibilities
Represent the interests of pupils and the wider school community
Contribute to important decisions about the school’s future
Strengthen links between schools and parishes.
Governors do not become involved in the school’s day-to-day management. Their role is to look at the bigger picture, test the evidence presented to them and provide both support and appropriate challenge.
Who are we looking for?
You do not need to be a parent or an education specialist. We welcome people from different professional and personal backgrounds who can bring new ideas, experiences and perspectives to the board. You must be practising Catholic in full sacramental communion and over the age of 18.
Experience in areas such as finance, HR, leadership, data, risk management, law, marketing, communications, community engagement or education would be valuable, but it is not essential. Your judgement, commitment and willingness to learn are just as important.
What will you gain?
Becoming a governor of a Catholic school is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children and families in your local community.
It can also help you develop valuable experience in:
Strategic planning and decision-making
Board-level governance
Leadership, challenge and accountability
Financial oversight
Data analysis
Communication and teamwork
You will receive training and support to help you understand the role and contribute confidently.
What is the commitment?
The role is voluntary, and the usual term of office is four years. Governors are expected to:
Attend up to 6 full governing board meetings each year (plus any extraordinary meeting if necessary)
Read meeting papers and prepare questions in advance
Undertake relevant governor training from the Diocesan Education Service
Visit the school during the working day
Interested?
You do not need to know everything about school governance before applying. If you are a Catholic, community-minded and willing to contribute your time and experience, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Please complete the form below.
As part of the application process, we will ask for a parish priest reference.
Please complete the form below.