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.

Good governance helps schools to:

• Stay true to their values and purpose,
• Set a clear vision for the future,
• Provide the best possible education for every child, and
• Ensure that public funds are used wisely, responsibly, and transparently.

For us as a Catholic Trust, governance is more than good leadership; it’s a moral and spiritual responsibility. Together, we work to form children who will not only achieve well, but who will grow into compassionate, faithful people, inspired by the life of St Teresa of Calcutta.

How Our Governance Works

Our governance is built on partnership — between schools, communities, the Diocese, and those who serve in governance roles. It works at several levels:

Members

At the top of the Trust structure are our Members, who act as guardians of the Trust’s purpose. They have a key role in ensuring we remain true to our founding principles and the mission entrusted to us by the Bishop.

Board of Directors (Trustees)

Our Directors are responsible for the strategic leadership, oversight, and direction of the Trust. They make sure that the Catholic ethos runs through everything we do, while also ensuring financial responsibility and long-term success for every school in the Trust.

Local Governing Bodies (LGBs)

Each school has its own Local Governing Body, made up of committed volunteers from the local community. They work closely with school leaders, supporting and challenging them to make sure every child receives the very best education, in an environment shaped by Catholic values.

Partnership with the Diocese

As a Catholic Trust, we work closely with the Diocese to protect and promote the distinctive Catholic identity of our schools, so that everything we do is rooted in faith, hope, and love and governance is key to this.

Getting Involved

Governance works best when it draws on a diverse range of skills, perspectives, and experiences. We’re always looking for people who are passionate about education, committed to the flourishing of Catholic schools, and who want to make a real difference in the lives of children and families.

If that sounds like you, we would love to hear from you. Whether you’re interested in joining a Local Governing Body, becoming a director, or simply learning more about what governance involves, you are warmly invited to be part of this important work. Together, we can shape futures, guided by faith, driven by compassion, and inspired by the example of St Teresa of Calcutta.

Victoria Del Giudice - Head of Governance

Welcome, I’m Victoria Del Giudice, Head of Governance at St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Academy Trust.

I’m really proud to lead on governance at the Trust, bringing together my varied background across both the public and private sectors. I’ve been fortunate to work across a range of sectors, but education is now where my heart lies. Alongside my various professional roles, I’ve served as Chair of a Multi-Academy Trust Board, giving me a real understanding of what good governance looks like from both an operational and strategic perspective. I’ve also managed a range of projects in the education sector, which has helped me see how strong governance supports schools, staff, and, most importantly, pupils to flourish.

I’m passionate about all things governance (yes, really!)—and I’m especially keen to raise its profile and show that it’s not just about policies or paperwork. For me, governance is about creating the right environment for everyone to have confidence in what we do and why we do it.

If you’d like to know more, or if you have ideas about how we can strengthen governance across the Trust, I’d love to hear from you. Please feel free to get in touch with me at vdelgiudice@stoccat.org.uk.

Laura Greenhalgh - Governance Administrator

I’m Laura Greenhalgh, Governance Administrator at the Trust. I joined the Trust in September 2023 as an Admin Assistant, before stepping into the role of Governance Administrator in January 2024. I now work closely with Vic, our Head of Governance, to support schools and leadership teams across the Trust, ensuring smooth governance processes, compliance, policy management, and strategic administration.

I bring over 18 years of experience in hospitality, including eight years in Events Management, and have a strong background in organisation, communication, and problem-solving. I’ve also been active in my local community—serving nine years as a Cubs Leader, 12 months with the Salford District Scout team, and over a decade helping to run my local Parish Centre.

I’m passionate about supporting schools through efficient, well-organised governance that makes a real difference.

Denise McGrath - Diary Co-ordinator

Denise is the Diary Co-Ordinator at St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Academy Trust. She supports the governance team by clerking a range of Local Governing Bodies (LGBs), ensuring meetings are well-organised, accurately recorded, and compliant with governance procedures.

Jasmine Jones - Administrative Assistant

Jasmine is an Administrative Assistant at St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Academy Trust. She supports the governance team by clerking a range of Local Governing Bodies (LGBs), ensuring meetings are well-organised, accurately recorded, and compliant with governance procedures.

Livia Parkinson - Administrative Assistant

Livia is an Administrative Assistant at St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Academy Trust. She supports the governance team by clerking a range of Local Governing Bodies (LGBs), ensuring meetings are well-organised, accurately recorded, and compliant with governance procedures.