This page explains how our governance is structured to ensure effective oversight and accountability for our schools.
The governance of Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust is structured in accordance with its Articles of Association and comprises of three levels; the Members, the Trust Board of Directors, and Local Governing Committees who oversee governance at local level for schools in the Trust.
The ultimate responsibility for the running of our schools resides with the Trust Board of Directors. 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’. Trust Board Directors are also charity trustees, and as such they must also ensure that they are complying with charity law requirements. Directors are appointed based on their skills and experience.
Roles and responsibilities in relation to Local Governing Committees are clearly defined by our Scheme of Delegation but all Local Governing Committee remain accountable to the Trust Board of Directors.
We have six Member roles. Members are the guardians of the constitution, determining the governance structure of the Trust and provide oversight and challenge to the Directors to ensure the charitable objectives of the Trust are being fulfilled and a Catholic education is provided. Members approve the Articles of Association and have the power to appoint and remove the Directors. Members appoint the Directors with the right skills to ensure the Trust is run in accordance with its aims and objectives. In view of the overarching role of the Members, the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle is a Member and appoints other Members from within the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. Members are independent of the Directors.
The Directors have overall responsibility and ultimate decision-making authority for all the work of the Trust, including the establishing and maintaining of the schools within the Trust. There are no “terms of reference” for the Trust Board as the detail is set out in the Articles of Association. A summary of the key responsibilities of the Directors is set out in the Scheme of Delegation. Directors meet at least twice each term as a full Board.
In accordance with Academy Trust Handbook 2024:
“The Academy Trust is the legal entity with the Board having collective accountability and responsibility for the Academy Trust and assuring itself that there is compliance with regulatory, contractual, and statutory requirements.
The Academy Trust Board provides:
The Directors must apply the highest standards of conduct and ensure robust governance, as these are critical for effective financial management.
The Board has four committees established to undertake detailed and focused work in the areas of education, HR, finance and audit. The committees usually meet at least once a term.
The Trust Board has established Local Governing Committees for schools within the Trust, comprising of individuals drawn from the schools community, both as elected and appointed members.
The role of a Governor within the Trust is an important one. The governance structure ensures that as far as possible the responsibility to govern is vested in those closest to the impact of decision making.
Those serving on the Local Governing Committee are accountable to the Directors and the Bishop and must ensure that, at all times, they act in good faith and in the best interests of the school and the Trust, exercising care and skill using their knowledge and experience.
Local Governors meet at least termly, but can meet more often if necessary. Local Governors also visit their schools, linked to specific areas to support deepening their knowledge of the school and to provide oversight.
Details of the Governors for each school can be found on each schools website.
Diversity is important and we want our Local Governing Committees and Board to be increasingly reflective of the communities they serve.
Provision of diversity data is voluntary. We have asked all Governors and Directors to submit their data on a voluntary basis. In March 2025 38% of Governors and Directors have submitted data. The resulting diversity report can be found here https://bwcet-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/p/jry/EfOJL_wcaIpDtYBsw59KMSsBkBY0viXFp4Ch21HWARF1vQ?e=xdI10v
From time to time we have vacancies across our Local Governing Committees for both Foundation and Non Foundation Governors.
To be appointed as a Foundation Governor you must be a practising Catholic and be able to provide a Parsh Priests reference. We also have positions for other Governors who are not eligible to be Foundation Governors.
Governors are responsible for overseeing the strategy and leadership of a school. They support their school to run as effectively as possible, working alongside senior leaders and teachers to provide excellent education for all children.
Governors must be committed to attending meetings which consider issues such as setting the school vision and direction, mitigating risk and considering educational outcomes. They provide support and challenge to the Headteacher and senior leaders. Governors bring a wide range of skills and expertise but additional training and development opportunities are available free of charge to all Governors in our Trust.
If you are interested in becoming a Governor in one of our schools please complete the form by following this link and we will arrange an informal discussion about the role.
The Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust is an exempt charity. It is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales under company registration number 07890590. The registered office address is Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education HQ, Barmston Court, Turbine Business Park, Nissan Way, Washington, SR5 3NY.
