Governors are members of a school’s Governing Body, which is a ‘corporate body’
A corporate body has a legal identity that is separate from its members and as a result, individual Governors are generally protected from personal liability as a result of the Governing Body’s decisions and actions taken by them, providing they act honestly, reasonably and in good faith.
Individual Governors have no power or right to act on behalf of the Governing Body except where the whole Governing Body has delegated a specific function to that individual or where regulations specify that a function is to be exercised in a particular way.
The Governing Body has a range of duties and powers and a general responsibility for the conduct of the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievements. This may include setting targets for pupil attainment, managing the school’s finances, making sure the curriculum is balanced and broadly based, appointing staff, reviewing staff performance and pay and most importantly helping to drive school improvement.
The Governing Body has considerable discretion as to how to discharge its responsibilities but is required to constitute itself in line with specific regulations and to appoint a chair and vice chair.
School Governors are drawn from different parts of the community, this helps to ensure that the Governing Body has sufficient diversity of views, expertise and experience. Under its ‘Instrument of Governance’ the Governing Body at St Philip Howard Catholic School consists of:
Foundation Governors [7] who are nominated/elected by the Diocese following advice
Parent Governor [1] elected by the parents, [they do not act as a representative of the parents at the school and do not report back to them]
Teacher/Staff Governors [1] elected by the Staff,
Local Authority Governor [1] nominated by the Local Authority and
Associate Governor [1] elected by the Governors
Associate Governors who are invited to join the Governing Body because of a particular expertise they may have. The Associate Governors do not have voting rights but participate fully in all other ways.
The Governing Body meets at least once a term. However Governors are involved in two other working committees depending on their expertise and responsibilities. They are the Resource Management Committee [RMC] which meets on a monthly basis and the Teaching and Learning Committee [TLC] which meets each half term. Both these committees have delegated powers from the Full Governing Body.
Please click here to view our Scheme of Delegation
"Governors have shown a great deal of commitment." - Ofsted, 2018
Governing Body 2021/2022
Mrs M. Hyde - Chair of Governors
I have been a foundation Governor for four years and have seen the school go from strength to strength. My background has always been in education with a large part of my teaching career spent in Glossop.
Prior to my retirement I was Headteacher of the Federation of All Saints and St Margaret’s which puts me in the unique position of having taught many of the pupils in school, and I very much enjoy hearing about their progress and successes.
Mrs A. Wood - Parent Governor
I am married with two children both of whom attend local Catholic schools - St Marys Crowned and St Philip Howard Catholic Voluntary
Academy. As a Catholic I am passionate about the importance of Catholic education and I myself attended St Philip Howard before going
on to study A Levels at Xaverian and then University to read Law. Following my graduation I gained great life experience travelling whilst
I worked as Cabin Crew for four years. Following this I began a career in the Charity Sector progressing to manage large numbers of
volunteers and staff working on complex budgets and delivering on targets. Following the arrival of our second daughter I set up my own business
in animal care. All these different roles have given me a wealth of experience that I can utilise in my role as Governor at St Philip Howard Catholic Voluntary
Academy helping to ensure an excellent education with a Catholic caring ethos for both students and staff.
Mrs C. Parker - Parent Governor
I am proud to be a Parent Governor of SPH. I have lived in Glossop all my life. I have two children both of which attend St Philip Howard. I was Treasurer at All Saints Catholic Pre-School for four years whilst the children attended. I run our family business with my Husband which I have been doing for 26 years. I am looking forward to helping the school on their journey.
Mrs S. Keating - Foundation Governor
I grew up at Leylands Farm, Broadbottom and a lifelong member of The Immaculate Conception Church. After ten years in the Clothing Industry around Manchester I lectured in Liverpool in Design and Pattern Construction for thirty years. Our two children were schooled in Liverpool but we spent weekends at my Mother’s farm in Broadbottom. Now retired I enjoy life in both places, creating garments for friends and family, gardening and growing veg and walking our dog.
Ms Michelle Williams - Foundation Governor
I am a qualified English teacher with over 15 years experience. I have had the privilege to work at St Philip Howard for a term as an English teacher; during my time working in the school I was delighted to see the school grow and prosper as it went on its journey to good. Currently I run and manage my own early years setting in Godley, Hyde- I have a particular strength in supporting children with additional needs.
To contact the Chair of Governors please call school on 01457 853611.
