GOVERNANCE

Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust

Governance Statement

Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust is structured in accordance with its Articles of Association.

There are three levels of governance within the  Trust: the Members, The Trust Board of Directors, and the governors who make up the Local Governing Body for each academy in the Trust.​

The Trust comprises five Members. The Members are accountable to the DfE and have ultimate responsibility for the Trust achieving its charitable objectives. They sign off the Articles of Association and have the power to appoint and remove the Directors. The Members include representatives from the Diocese of Newcastle and Hexham. The majority of the Members are independent of the Directors to provide challenge and scrutiny to the Board.​

The ultimate responsibility for the running of our schools resides with the Directors of the Trust. They set the strategic direction for the Trust and are accountable to the Secretary of State for the performance of the schools within it. This is set out in a legal document known as the ‘funding agreement‘. As charity trustees, they must also ensure that they are complying with charity law requirements.

Directors are appointed on the basis of skills need.

The authority for running each school remains at Local Governing Body level and is clearly defined by our scheme of delegation.​

The Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust is governed by people in our local communities who have each made a significant impact on the lives of young people.

ST Michael's Catholic Primary School

Local Governing Committee

Governors meet twice each term and are appointed to:​

Lead our Catholic school ensuring that the school's mission and life are at all times promoted and developed. They are accountable for assuring high quality in the provision of all the curriculum, including Religious Education, prayer and worship They appoint staff who enhance the distinctive nature of the school. They determine and monitor the school's budget and premises. They are responsible for school admissions and attendance.​

The Governors of our school have further legal duties, powers and responsibilities, including safeguarding and health and safety. They act together, they cannot act individually. ​

At St Michael's,  the governors are very well attended and everyone participates in discussions in order plan strategically, challenging the effectiveness of plans and policies and offer support as a 'critical friend' to the Headteacher and senior leaders. Where possible Governors attend school events and support the school by assisting on projects when asked. They are committed to providing a safe and happy place for the pupils of St Michael's, where they can achieve their potential.The structure of the membership ensures there are strong links with the parish and the wider community.

The Local Governing Committee can be contacted through the Chairperson, Mr Michael Scurr, at the school address.

Please find a list of our current members of the governing body and their category and any specific role they undertake: