GOVERNORS
The Governing Body’s Core functions are as follows
- support the Catholicity of the school;
- set the vision and strategic direction of the school;
- hold the head teacher to account for its educational performance; and
- ensure financial resources are well spent.
- Governors also adhere to the Six Features of Effective Governance:
- Strategic Leadership that sets and champions vision, ethos and strategy
- Accountability that drives up educational standards and financial performance
- People with the right skills, experience, qualities and capacity
- Structures that reinforce clearly defined roles and responsibilities
- Compliance with statutory and contractual requirements
- Evaluation to monitor and improve the quality and impact of governance.
At St Joseph’s, the Governing Body is made up of Foundation Governors (who are appointedby the Diocese), Staff Governors, Parent Governors and Local Authority Governors.
Governors are entrusted with ensuring the school is well run and promotes pupil achievement. The Governing Body's key duties include: setting the strategic direction, policies and objectives; approving the school budget and reviewing progress against it; acting as critical friend (by supporting and challenging the headteacher). In addition the Foundation Governors on the Governing Body have a legal duty to preserve and develop the Catholic character of the school and to ensure that the school is conducted in accordance with its trust deed. An important aspect of this is supporting and upholding the Catholic ethos of the school.
As well as sitting on the main governing body, Governors also form sub-committees and working groups that meet once or twice a term and have responsibility for the following specific areas of school management. These committees are:
Catholic Ethos and Admissions
Standards and Curriculum
Finance and Premises
Staffing, Performance Management and Safeguarding
Committees are bound by the rules and objectives set out their Standing Orders which are approved by the full governing body each year.Further information can be found below.
Governing Body documents
MEETING DATES
Full Governing Body (FGB)
- Tuesday 3rd October 2023
- Tuesday 7th November 2023
- Tuesday 19th December 2023
- Tuesday 6th February 2024
- Tuesday 26th March 2024
- Tuesday 23rd April 2024
- Tuesday 23rd July 2024.
Catholic Ethos & Admissions Committee
- Thursday 5th October 2023
- Thursday 1st February 2024
- Thursday 13th June 2024
Finance & Premises Committee
- Tuesday 17th October 2023
- Tuesday 22nd November 2023
- Tuesday 16th January 2024
- Tuesday 12th March 2024
- Tuesday 16th April 2024
- Tuesday 2nd July 2024
Staffing, Performance Management & Safeguarding Committee
- Wednesday 29th November 2023
- Wednesday 28th February 2024
- Wednesday 5th June 2024
Standards & Curriculum Committee
- Tuesday 12th December 2023
- Tuesday 7th May 2023
- Tuesday 16th July 2023.
TARGETS
Governing Body Priorities
· Continue to support the school leaders in making the step from good to outstanding.
· Manage the school’s finances and work towards coming out of a deficit budget.
· Fill all remaining governor vacancies and build in governor succession planning.
· Conduct a Governing Body review.
· Continue governor development including being aligned with the new Ofsted Framework as it relates to governance.
· Build upon the relationship with the new parish priest for St Joseph’s.
Business Interests
John Apicella – None 01.11.2022
Anthony Battrum – None 01.11.2022
Sinead Hall – None 01.11.2022
Catherine Jones – None 31.10.2022
Antony Amirtharaj – None 20.09.2022
Kelly Bosher – None 20.09.2022
Michael Robinson – None 01.11.2022
Jenny Hill – None 20.09.2022
Stephen Wasko – None 18.09.2022.
COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS & LEAD GOVERNOR ROLES
Catholic Ethos & Admissions Committee
Catholic Ethos & Admissions Committee
To advise and assist the Head Teacher and the Governing Body on admissions and provide strategic support to the school’s Catholic ethos.
Membership:
Catherine Jones, Antony Amirtharaj, Father Zbigniew Budyn, Kelly Bosher, Michael Robinson.
New chair to be elected at next meeting.
Finance & Premises Committee
To monitor how the school conducts their finances, delegates financial responsibilities, methods of operation and the maintenance and safety of all school premises. To make sure all parties with financial authority are aware of their duties and responsibilities and that sound and effective financial controls are maintained. To monitor that the school has the appropriate practices and procedures to meet all of its Health & Safety duties and responsibilities To monitor the implementation of appropriate practice and procedures will ensure the best use of funds available to enhance the education of St Joseph’s pupils.
Membership:
Anthony Battrum (Chair), Sinead Hall, Catherine Jones, Vijay Samuel, Kelly Bosher, Michael Robinson.
Staffing, Performance Management & Safeguarding Committee
To provide guidance to the Governing Body and the Head Teacher on all matters relating to personnel issues.
To consider the personnel implications of the School Development Plan (SDP) and any other associated plan/reviews, and reporting on these to the full board as required.
To apply and review the performance management provisions, and all statutory and contractual obligations relating to the annual review of teaching staff and support staff salaries.
Membership:
Elizabeth O’Keeffe (Chair), Sinead Hall, Catherine Jones, Kelly Bosher, Michael Robinson.
Standards & Curriculum Committee
To ensure that strategies are in place to raise achievement for all pupils. To ensure there is high quality teaching and learning across all year groups. To ensure there is reliable assessment and high quality tracking information for all learners. To ensure the school has a curriculum that satisfies statutory requirements and meets the pupils’ needs including extension and enrichment activities.
Membership:
Jenny Hill (Chair), Sinead Hall, Emily Daly, Kelly Bosher, Michael Robinson, Stephen Wasko, Nicole Fulker.
Lead Governor Roles
Equality – Sinead Hall
Governor Development – Catherine Jones
Health & Safety from June 2023 - Catherine Jones
Health & Safety – John Apicella Left June 2023
Equality & Inclusion – Jenny Hill
Safeguarding - Elizabeth O’Keeffe, Catherine Jones
EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) Link Governor – Catherine Jones
Reading & Writing Link Governor – Jenny Hill
Maths Specialism – Stephen Wasko
Science Link Governor – Anthony Battrum
History Link Governor – Sinead Hall
MEET THE GOVERNORS AT ST JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC SCHOOL & NURSERY
Sinead Hall
Chair of Governors - Sinead Hall
Foundation Governor (Appointed by Diocese)
Term of Office & Date of Appointment:
4 Years
1st January 2022 – 31st December 2025
Member of Finance & Premises Committee; Staffing, Performance Management & Safeguarding Committee; Standards & Curriculum Committee.
Lead Governor for Equality and Inclusion.
Business/Pecuniary Interests:
Employed by Eaton Electronic Limited (15.09.2020)
Meeting attendance 2021 – 22:
63% 10 out of 16 meetings.
Sinead has been a school governor since 2003 and is the current Chair of Governors. She has three children who have all attended the school. She has held the position of Chair on several occasions, and previously held the Vice Chair position before her first appointment as Chair. She has held several areas of special responsibility with a particular interest in raising standards, whole school improvement and senior leaders appointment and recruitment. Sinead has led or participated as a governor in the past five Ofsted inspections of the school.
Sinead is an in-house corporate regulatory lawyer specialising in employment, health and safety, human rights, inclusion & diversity, privacy, and sustainability.
Sinead moved to Newbury in 2000 becoming a regular and active parishioner at St Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Sinead considers her role as a governor to be a privilege that allows her to give something back to the Catholic education system that has given choices and great career opportunities. She is most passionate about ensuring that all children are given equal opportunity to fulfil their potential, irrespective of their background, social status or family circumstances.
When Sinead has any spare time … she likes to sing, currently in choirs at church and in the Newbury Choral Society, enjoys gardening, travel, live music and visits to the theatre, historic sites, galleries and museums.
Kelly Bosher
Kelly Bosher
Head Teacher (Ex-Officio)
Member of Catholic Ethos & Admissions Committee; Finance & Premises Committee; Staffing, Performance Management & Safeguarding Committee; Standards & Curriculum Committee.
Business/Pecuniary Interests:
None (20.9.22).
Meeting Attendance 2021-22:
100% from 20 meetings.
Father Zbigniew Budyn
Father Zbigniew Budyn
Foundation Governor (Appointed by Diocese)
Date of Appointment & Term of Office:
23rd September 2019 – 22nd September 2023
4 Years
Member of Catholic Ethos & Admissions Committee.
Business/Pecuniary Interests:
None (15.11.2021).
Meeting Attendance 2021 – 22:
0% from 3 meetings.
Members of the Governing Body from the previous academic year
Ellen Clinch (Associate Member) 17.09.19 – 23.04.20 (resigned)
Jenny Hill (Associate Member) 02.04.19 – 01.04.20 (term not renewed).
Clotilde Bias (Parent Governor) 18.10.19 – 06.07.20 (resigned).
Aaron Dsouza (Parent Governor) 24.05.19 – 16.11.20 (resigned).
Catherine Jones
Catherine Jones
vice Chair of Governors
Foundation Governor (Appointed by Diocese)
Date of Appointment & Term of Office:
4 Years
16th September 2019 – 15th September 2023
Member of Catholic Ethos & Admissions Committee; Finance & Premises Committee; Staffing, Performance Management & Safeguarding Committee.
Deputy Lead Governor for Safeguarding
Business/Pecuniary Interests:
None (1.11.22)
Meeting Attendance 2021 – 22:
77% from 13 out of 17 meetings.
Elizabeth O'Keeffe
Elizabeth O’Keeffe
Foundation Governor (Appointed by Diocese)
Date of Appointment & Term of Office:
12th February 2020 – 11th February 2024
4 Years.
Chair of Staffing, Performance Management & Safeguarding Committee.
Lead Governor for Safeguarding.
Business/Pecuniary Interests:
Director of West Berkshire Citizens Advice. Liberal Democrat Councillor within West Berkshire (17.11.2021).
Meeting Attendance 2021 – 22:
71% from 7 meetings.
Elizabeth worked in the field of education for 33 years teaching in primary and special needs schools moving to community and youth services in 1981. In 1999 she retired from full time work as the Berkshire County Youth & Community Officer for Reading. She currently volunteers locally as a Trustee at Time-to-Talk, the counselling service for young people. Also an advisor at Citizens Advice Bureau, steward at the Corn Exchange, various roles at St Francis de Sales, a Newbury Town Councillor and served as Mayor of Newbury for two years. She strongly supports social justice and believes that a sound moral and academic education are the key to individual development and life chances.
Jenny Hill
Jenny Hill
Local Authority Governor (Nominated by Local Authority, Appointed by Governing Body)
Date of Appointment & Term of Office:
28th April 2021 – 27th April 2025
Chair of Standards & Curriculum Committee.
Business/Pecuniary Interests:
None (20.11.22).
Meeting Attendance 2021 – 22:
89% from 8 out of 9 meetings.
Jenny was previously a teacher at St Joseph’s from 2013 to 2019, working in both Key Stage 1 and 2. Her priority is to inspire children and foster a lifelong love of learning. She believes in providing a rounded education with lots of extra-curricular experiences.
Michael Robinson
Michael Robinson (Deputy Head teacher)
Staff Governor (Elected by Staff)
Date of Appointment & Term of Office:
5th April 2019 – 4th April 2023
Member of Catholic Ethos & Admissions Committee; Staffing, Performance Management & Safeguarding Committee; Standards & Curriculum Committee.
Business/Pecuniary Interests:
None (1.11.2022).
Meeting Attendance 2021 – 22:
100% from 14 meetings.
Mr Robinson has worked at St Joseph’s since 2014 and is deputy head of the school. He became a staff governor in 2019 and has enjoyed learning about different aspects of school life and helping the school and parish community.
In his spare time he loves leading children’s liturgy and spending time with his wife and two children.
Anthony Battrum
Foundation Governor (Appointed by Diocese)
Date of Appointment & Term of Office:
1st May 2019 – 30th April 2023
4 Years
Chair of Finance & Premises Committee.
Lead Governor for Governor Development.
Business/Pecuniary Interests:
None (1.11.22.
Meeting Attendance 2021 – 22:
75% from 9 iut of 12 meetings.
Anthony gained nearly 10 years management experience before studying Engineering at University and is now an Engineering Programme Manager on major public sector infrastructure programmes. Anthony moved with his family to Newbury in 2010, has one child, and is a member of St Joseph’s Parish.
Anthony brings a strong balance of Project, Financial and Personnel Management experience to the governing board, regularly working with experts from other professions to deliver the best outcome and is keen to help utilise that knowledge for the benefit of St Joseph’s. Having attended Catholic primary and secondary schools Anthony knows from first hand the benefits of a faith based education and the skills and experiences that brings do last a lifetime.
John Apicella
John Apicella
Foundation Governor (Appointed by Diocese)
Date of Appointment & Term of Office:
4 Years
23rd June 2019 – 22nd June 2023
Chair of Catholic Ethos & Admissions Committee; Member of Finance & Premises Committee.
Lead Governor for Health & Safety.
Business/Pecuniary Interests:
None (01.11.2022).
Meeting Attendance 2021 – 22:
81% from 13 from 16 meetings.
Currently in retirement, and now having time to become a governor, John spent the majority of his work time in senior sales and marketing roles within the grocery trade prior to becoming self employed as a mortgage broker before retirement. He has three grand-children and felt it was important to become more involved and help them to enjoy their time at school. John feels he can bring experience of both sales and marketing as well as a mature and full understanding of most general subjects along with common sense. He is good at objective setting and reaching deadlines.
Antony Amirtharaj
Antony Amirtharaj
Associate Member of Catholic Ethos & Admissions Committee (Appointed by Governing Body)
Date of Appointment & Term of Office:
23.07.22 – 22.07.26
Member of Catholic Ethos & Admissions Committee with voting rights.
Business/Pecuniary Interests:
(20.09.22).
Meeting Attendance 2021 – 22:
78% from 9 meetings.
have worked in the field of Telecommunications for the last 16 years and have wider ranging IT, Management skills working with the UK' leading telecom operators. I have been a governor in St Josephs for an year now, but have previous experience as a governor in an other school in Tilehurst Reading. I'm also a parish councilIlor for the last 6 years with Speen Parish council and have served as Chair and currently Vice chair. In my spare time, I would love to read a wider range of books particularly history, politics and management books.
Nicole Fulker
Nicole Fulker (Key Stage 1 Lead Teacher)
Associate Member of Standards & Curriculum Committee (Appointed by Governing Body)
Date of Appointment & Term of Office:
14th December 2021 – 13th December 2022
(1 Year)
Member of Standards & Curriculum Committee with voting rights.
Business/Pecuniary Interests:
None (23.11.2021).
Meeting Attendance 2021 – 22:
67% from 4 meetings.
Nicole qualified as a teacher in 2013 completing her BEd Primary Teaching at The University of Gloucestershire.
Since qualifying, she has worked in a variety of schools across the South of England.
Nicole started working in Catholic Education in the diocese of Birmingham in 2017. She joined St Joseph's in September 2019.
When not at school, Nicole loves sport, baking and socialising with her friends and family.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
OUR CLERK TO THE GOVERNORS
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Rachael House Gemmell |
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Rachael House Gemmell
Clerk to the Governors
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
Newport Road
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 2AW
Email: clerk@stjosephs.w-berks.sch.uk