Become a Governor

Our Lady of the Magnificat Multi-Academy is a Catholic community of schools for all.

We are a growing Multi-Academy with an ambition to create a company where all encounter Christ, where excellence is pursued, and all children and young people are enabled to make the most of their God given talents and live life to the full. We are a family of 17 schools, spanning all ages across two counties - Warwickshire and Worcestershire.


Why should I become a governor?

Becoming a governor offers you the opportunity to make a real contribution to the life and work of your local school.

Each school within the multi-academy has its own local governing body (LGB). In a multi-academy, the legal accountability for the school lies with the Board of Directors for the multi-academy and the LGB has a critical role to play in being the ‘eyes and ears’ of the Board of Directors at individual school level. The LGB provides challenge and support to the school to ensure the best possible outcomes for all pupils and to ensure the distinct Catholic mission and ethos of the school is upheld. The LGB does not get involved in the day-to-day operation or management of the school.

Being a governor can be extremely rewarding and will provide you with the opportunity to meet new people and gain new skills.


The role of foundation governors

Foundation governors are formally appointed by the Diocese, and you must be a practising Catholic to be a foundation governor. You do not need to have a child attending the school to be a foundation governor.


What skills or experience do I need to become a governor?

Don’t worry if you have no experience in education or governance as there is plenty of training and support available.

We are particularly keen to increase the diversity on our LGBs, and welcome applications from anyone interested in supporting our schools to provide the best possible outcomes for all pupils, ensuring the distinct Catholic mission and ethos of the schools are upheld.You do not need to be an expert in education to be a governor but you do need to be willing to ask questions, engage with governor training opportunities and be committed to the vision and values of our Multi-Academy. All governors must complete an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check before being appointed.


What is the time commitment of being a governor?

Meetings are held once every half term (i.e. 6 times a year), and usually take place at school in the early evening for approximately 2 hours. We recognise and value that governors are volunteers and will have other commitments outside of their governor role. However, we do ask that as a governor you are able to attend all LGB meetings and undertake a small amount of mandatory training (usually online). Most governors also have a link governor role in an area such as Safeguarding, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Catholic Mission, Pupil Premium, or Careers for example and will be able to support the school through focused governor visits to the school approximately 1-3 times a year.

Governors are also very welcome, and warmly encouraged, to attend school events such as special assemblies and performances, to support the school and increase governor visibility to the whole school community.


How do I apply to become a governor?

If you would like to find out more about being a foundation governor then please contact us via email on governor@magnifcat.org.uk and we will be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Foundation governors are required to complete an application form which is available online or by visiting The Archdiocese of Birmingham Education Service and choosing ‘Foundation governor application form’ tab. We look forward to hearing from you!

Application Form

Contact Us

The Archdiocese of Birmingham Education Service

 

Application form guidance