What is a Foundation Governor?

There are a series of unique specifications that make a Catholic school Catholic. One of those is the right of the local Bishop to appoint Foundation Governors for his schools and for them to always be in a majority.

These Foundation Governors play a crucial role in preserving the Catholic ethos and Character of the school by representing the Bishop on the governing body.
Their responsibilities also include holding the Headteacher to account, setting the school budget, looking after the school’s admissions policy and managing the recruitment of senior members of staff.

Why become a Foundation Governor?

If you have children at a Catholic School, you’ll know that it’s the school’s strong ethos that’s the key to its success.
Maintaining this ethos is the responsibility of the whole school but for Foundation Governors, it is their primary purpose.
Many people become Foundation Governors for different reasons. Some do it to give back to their local community while others find it to be a practical way to live out their faith.

What are the requirements and time commitments?

There are only two requirements to be a Foundation Governor.

One is that you’re over the age of 18 and the second that  you are a practicing Catholic.

There’s not a specific ‘person specification’ when it comes to the other skills you need, suffice to say all governing bodies need a wide range of people sitting on them.

In terms of time commitments, you are looking at 10-12 hours a month – this includes times spent in meetings. Governors are expected to attend at least one full governance meeting per term and join at least one subcommittee.

Where can I go for more information?

More information on becoming a Foundation Governor can be found on your diocese’s website and on the Catholic Education Service’s governance web page.