On this page you will find materials and links to help you find and recruit foundation governors to your school.
Please don’t hesitate to contact CASO for any further help you require. (governors@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk).

  • Foundation Governor Recruitment Booklet CDP
What do Foundation Governors do?
  • Ensure the Catholic ethos of the school is upheld.

  • Hold the Head teacher to account.

  • Oversee the financial performance of the school and set the budget.

  • Manage the school’s admissions criteria.

  • Recruitment of senior leadership.

Key Facts about Foundation Governors in Catholic Schools
  • They are appointed by the local Bishop to represent his education policy in his school.
  • They preserve and develop the Catholic ethos of the school.

The average Foundation Governor role will take up 10–12 hours a month, including attending one governing body meeting per term and serving on one committee (min. requirement)

  • You must be over 18.
  • You must be a practising Catholic.
  • A wide range of skills is a plus.
Supporting Documents
  • Being a Foundation Governor or Director in the Diocese
  • Governance Handbook and Competency Framework (CDP)
  • Governance Handbook and Competency Framework (DFE)
  • Template for Induction Policy
  • Nomination Form – Guidance
  • Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth: Nomination Form
  • Possible Advert
  • CES: Governance of a Catholic School
  • CES: Being a Foundation Governor
  • Being a Foundation Governor or Director
  • Government Recruitment Handbook