The Federated Schools of St Joseph's Catholic Nursery, Infant and Junior School

Governing Board 2025-2026

Publication of Governor Data

The Role of the Governing Body

The governing body is responsible for the conduct of its school, and must promote high standards of educational achievement at the school. It is the school’s accountable body and as such:

• helps the school to set high standards by planning for the school's future and setting targets for school improvement
• is involved in the school improvement
• is  a critical friend to the school, offering support and advice
• helps the school respond to the needs of parents and the community
• makes the school accountable to the public for what it does
• works with the school on planning, developing policies and keeping the school under review
• exercises its responsibilities and powers in partnership with the Head teacher and staff

A school's governing body is a corporate body. This means it has a legal duties, powers and responsibilities. Governors can only act together, they cannot act individually. 

Governors

Financial Obligations in the Diocese of Brentwood

As a Catholic Voluntary Aided School, the governors have a responsibility for the maintenance of the exterior of the school building and must find ten percent of costs towards any major building improvements, which are undertaken in and around the school.

Meetings

The full governing body is required to meet formally a minimum of three times a year. Meeting dates are usually set well in advance and meetings generally last between two and three hours.

There are separate committees for pay, admissions and the headteachers appraisal.  

Governing Body Vacancies 

St Joseph's Federation are looking to recruit governors to join our existing Governing Body.

To be a governor you should have:

• A strong commitment to the role and to improving outcomes for children
• Good interpersonal skills, curiosity, and a willingness to learn and develop new skills
• The specific skills required to make sure the governing board delivers effective governance

Parent/Carer Governor Vacancy

As a parent/carer governor, you do not need to be a practicing Catholic but must respect and advocate for the Catholic Ethos of the Federation.  You will play a vital role in bringing a parental perspective to the governing board.  However, your role is a strategic one looking at the wider development of the federation. 

Foundation Governor Vacancy 

As a Foundation governor you must be a practicing Catholic.  You can belong to any Parish and are responsible for ensuring and prompting the Catholic Ethos of the federation. 

Why should I become a school governor? 

Becoming a governor is a very rewarding and worthwhile experience.  Effective governors do not need expertise in education but do need to be committed to their school, willing to ask questions and offer appropriate challenge and support.  It is a great opportunity to contribute to the success of the school, positively support to the local community and can be an asset to your CV as well. 

The governing board is keen for candidates to have skills in the following:

• Finance 
• Buildings and Premises 
• Marketing and/ or project management  
• Technology
• Health and safety 
• Nursery 

Expectations of governors

As a governor you will be expected to:

• Attend at meetings 
• Maintain confidentiality
• Commit to training
• Visit the school
• Act with integrity, honesty, and objectivity in the best interests of the school.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying to become a school governor, please contact the school office:

email: office@st-josephs-inf.waltham.sch.uk

phone: 0208 539 3000

If you have any queries about this process or would like to find out more about the role, please contact the school to speak to speak to the headteacher.