Our Local Governing Body

Our Local Governing Body plays a vital role in the life of the school. Working on behalf of the Trust Board, governors provide local oversight and challenge, supporting the headteacher and senior leaders to ensure the highest standards of Catholic education for all pupils.

 

Rooted in the mission and values of the Catholic Church and the Diocese of Salford, governors help to preserve and strengthen the school’s Catholic ethos, ensuring that faith, care for others, and service to the community remain at the heart of everything we do.

 

Governors monitor key areas such as standards of teaching and learning, pupil wellbeing, safeguarding, and the effective use of resources. While strategic responsibility rests with the Trust Board, the Local Governing Body acts as an important link between the Trust, the school, and the local community, offering informed support, constructive challenge, and a strong local voice.

 

Through regular meetings, visits, and collaboration with school leaders, governors work to ensure that every child is supported to flourish academically, spiritually, and personally.

 

Find Out More About Governance

Why Governance Matters

Behind every thriving school and Trust is a team of dedicated people who give their time, skills, and care to serve others. Our governors, Directors and governance professionals work together to shape the future of our young people. Their contribution is essential, not always visible, but absolutely vital.

 

But what is governance?

Governance is the system of people, structures, and processes that make sure schools are well-led, properly managed, and always focused on the needs of children and their learning. It’s about providing oversight, support, and challenge, asking the right questions, making the right decisions, and ensuring that leaders are held to account for delivering the very best for every pupil.

 

How Our Governance Works

Our governance is built on partnership — between schools, communities, the Diocese, and those who serve in governance roles.

 

Our school is part of St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Academy Trust. The Trust has three levels of governance:

  • Members – who hold the Trust to account and ensure it is run in line with its charitable purpose and Catholic mission.
  • Directors (Trustees) – who are responsible for the overall leadership and strategic direction of the Trust.
  • Local Governors – who support and challenge the school at a local level and help ensure the school is serving its pupils, families, and parish community well.

 

Types of Local Governor

All governors work together as part of the Local Governing Body and share collective responsibility for its decisions. The Local Governing Body is made up of governors from a range of backgrounds, each bringing valuable experience and perspectives to support the school and its mission.

 

  • Foundation Governors are appointed by the Bishop of Salford. They help ensure that the Catholic ethos and character of the school are protected and promoted in line with the teachings of the Catholic Church and the mission of the Diocese of Salford.
  • Parent Governors are parents or carers of children currently attending the school. They contribute the views and experiences of families within the school community.
  • Staff Governors are elected by the school staff. They provide an important insight into the day-to-day life of the school and help ensure that decisions are well informed.
  • Ex Officio Governors serve on the Local Governing Body by virtue of their role. This may include the Headteacher and, where applicable, the Parish Priest, helping to strengthen the link between the school, the parish, and the wider Catholic community.

 

All governors are expected to act with integrity and professionalism. They follow a Code of Conduct which sets out clear expectations for behaviour, confidentiality, and accountability.

 

Governors are committed to upholding the Nolan Principles of Public Life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership. These principles guide governors in their decision-making and help ensure that the school is governed in the best interests of its pupils and community. The Code of Conduct can be viewed here;  Code Of Conduct 2025 – 2027

 

For further information on the governance at St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Academy Trust, please visit our trust website; Welcome to STOC Governance – St Teresa of Calcutta – Catholic Academy Trust

 

 

Local Governing Board Information

Below is a full list of our governors, their roles, and how they were appointed. David Golding serves as Chair of the Local Governing Body, providing leadership and support to the board.

Our Governors

Statutory Information

Register Of Business And Pecuniary Interests

Meeting Attendance 2025 – 2026

Meeting Attendance 2024 – 2025

IOG Alice Ingham Voluntary Academy, Rochdale

Click here for information regarding annual reports and financial statements; articles and memorandum of association; funding agreements and the scheme of delegation for St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Academy Trust.

Click here Our Governance Structure – St Teresa of Calcutta – Catholic Academy Trust for information regarding the Directors of the Trust.

Get Involved in Governance

Get Involved as a Governor

Becoming a governor is a meaningful way to support Catholic education and make a lasting difference in the lives of young people and the local community. Governors help uphold the Catholic ethos, support school leadership, monitor standards, and ensure pupil wellbeing; all while acting as a local link between the school, families, and parish.

 Foundation Governors must be practising Catholics and are appointed in accordance with diocesan guidance. If you are not eligible for a foundation role, but are a parent or carer of a child at the school, you can still get involved; look out for Parent Governor vacancies.

 As a Local Governor, you can expect to:

  • Attend around 4 Local Governing Body meetings per year
  • Visit the school to understand its day-to-day life and support leaders
  • Take part in panels for exclusions, complaints, or recruitment when needed
  • Access training and guidance to grow in confidence and effectiveness

Joining our governance community allows you to shape the success of our schools, promote Catholic values, strengthen links with your community, and leave a lasting legacy for young people.

All governor appointments are subject to meeting eligibility criteria and an enhanced DBS check.

Click the link to; Get Involved In Governance: Express Your Interest Now!

 

How to contact us

To contact our Governors, please write to the Chair of the Local Governing Body at the school address below or email chair@aliceingham.stoccat.org.uk

Alice Ingham RC Primary School
Millgate
off Halifax Road
Rochdale