What a foundation governor is

A foundation governor in a Catholic school is appointed by the Bishop of Shrewsbury to safeguard the Catholic character of the school. Foundation governors form the majority on the governing body of every Catholic maintained school and academy. They are the custodians of the school's mission. The school admits pupils, hires staff, plans the curriculum and uses its buildings under their watch, with the Bishop as Trustee.

The role is voluntary but serious. Across our 112 schools and academies, serving 43,000 children, the diocese relies on lay men and women who give time to keep schools faithful to their founding purpose.

Who can become a foundation governor

The basic requirements are:

• A practising Catholic in good standing, attending Sunday Mass and the sacraments.
• A reference from your parish priest confirming your standing.
• Willingness to attend governor training, including induction provided by the Diocesan Education team and CES training where relevant.
• Freedom from any conflict of interest that would compromise your independence.
• Ability to commit time to full governing body meetings, committee meetings, school visits and reading.

You do not need to be a parent at the school. You do not need a background in education. The Bishop appoints from across the diocese, drawing on retired teachers, parishioners, professionals, and members of religious orders.

What the role asks of you

Foundation governors carry the same legal duties as any school governor, plus a particular care for the Catholic life of the school. In practice this means:

1. Holding the school to its Catholic mission. Reviewing the CSED, scrutinising RE outcomes, attending Mass at the school during the year.
2. Serving on committees. Most boards run finance, standards and personnel committees. Foundation governors usually chair the Catholic life and RE strand.
3. Meeting the Catholic Schools Inspection (CSI) team. Inspectors will speak to foundation governors directly during inspection.
4. Approving admissions and policies aligned to the Bishop's directions and CES guidance.
5. Supporting the headteacher as a critical friend.

How to apply

Applications go through the Diocesan Education Office.

1. Speak to your parish priest. He will write a reference and may already know of vacancies in nearby schools.
2. Contact the Education Office. Write with your name, parish, contact details and a short paragraph on why you are interested. The contact is listed below.
3. Complete the application form. The Education team will send an expression of interest form and a self-declaration on safeguarding.
4. Provide a DBS check. The school will arrange enhanced DBS clearance before you take up the post.
5. Attend interview. An informal conversation with a member of the Education team and, where helpful, the chair of governors of the school in question.
6. Receive your letter of appointment. The Bishop signs the formal appointment letter. You are appointed for a four-year term, renewable.

Induction and training

Once appointed, you receive a diocesan induction pack covering the Trustee structure, the CSI framework and the duties of governors. The Diocesan Education team runs governor training sessions across the year. The Catholic Education Service offers further national training, including modules on Catholic life, RE leadership and admissions. The School Support Officer team coordinate training. Many of them are former or current Denominational Inspectors and bring direct CSI insight.

You will also be invited to attend annual gatherings hosted by the Education Office and the Episcopal Vicar to Education.

Why it matters

The Catholic Church has always seen education as a way to be able to witness to the faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ in a convincing and gentle way.

Bishop Davies' words frame what governors are protecting. Catholic schools are places where the faith is taught, witnessed and lived, which makes them more than simply good schools that happen to have a Catholic heritage. Foundation governors are the people who keep that promise alive across boards, budgets and policy decisions.

To register interest, use the Education Office contact listed below or write to the Education Office, 2 Park Road South, Prenton, Wirral CH43 4UX. The Diocese is the Shrewsbury Roman Catholic Diocesan Trust, registered charity 234025.