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.
Ss Peter & Paul'S Catholic Primary School
Local Governing Committee
What does the Local Governing Committee (LGC) do?
The Local Governing Committee works to support the overall development of the pupils based on the principles of Roman Catholic Church.
Governors are involved in:
- planning the future direction of the School
- monitoring and evaluating the progress of the School against these plans
- supporting and challenging the School
- being accountable to parents and all stakeholders about the school’s performance; and
- ensuring all statutory duties are carried out.
In order to carry out this work, governors:
- work closely with the school team
- have 4 full governing body meetings a year - plus additional meetings when called
- Governors have delegated key areas of responsibility
- visit the school
- ensure they are familiar with the Diocesan requirements relating to Catholic Education.
Welcome from our chair of governors
Kevin Dawson J.P.
I was born in Seghill and originally attended St John the Baptist Primary School in Annitsford, until the school closed in July 1969. I then moved to St Paul’s Primary School, Cramlington, when it opened in September 1969 and was part of the first class to take their 11+ exam. Having passed this, I attended St Mary’s Technical School in Newcastle for 7 years. Having developed an interest in science, I then embarked on a 42 year career working in both the Quality Assurance and Quality Control of Pharmaceutical Products, working both in Industry and the Health Service.
Being a parishioner of St John the Baptist RC Church (Annitsford) and the influence of priest like Fr Tom Cass, as well as attending an extremely spiritual Catholic secondary school, formed me into the person I am. My faith has also been developed by travelling to Lourdes for over 50 years, where I help and assist the sick and disabled pilgrims.
Having been accepted as a Governor of Ss Peter and Paul’s Catholic Primary Academy, I was elected as Chair following the resignation of Fr Lee Barrett. I feel it is a great honour to be in this position, especially as the school was part of the formation and development of my faith, and I am proud to be a member of the Roman Catholic Church. I find that the ethos of the school align very much with my personal ethos on life in general and my faith.
If you have an enquiry for the Chair of Governors, please email the school office at: Office@ss-peterandpauls.co.uk and add the subject 'FAO Chair of Governors'. We will then forward your email to Mr Kevin Dawson.
