Hello and welcome to our Governors’ Section.

All UK schools are required by law to have a Governing Body, which acts as a Corporate Body. St Richard’s Catholic Primary School is a Voluntary Aided school within the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton, and the majority of our governors are appointed by the Bishop. All governors serve on a voluntary basis and are committed to supporting the school in fulfilling its mission, values and statutory responsibilities.

The Governing Body meets at least once each term and works closely with the Executive Headteacher and Head of School to provide strategic leadership and oversight. Governors are responsible for setting the school’s vision, ethos and strategic direction, agreeing aims and objectives, approving and monitoring budgets, and reviewing and ratifying key policies. They are also responsible for appointing the Executive Headteacher and the Head of School.

In line with the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework, the Governing Body holds school leaders to account for the quality of education, pupil behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, safeguarding, and outcomes for all pupils, including vulnerable groups. Governors act as a “critical friend”, providing appropriate support and challenge to ensure continuous improvement, while leaving the day-to-day operational management of the school to the Head of School.

Governors regularly monitor the impact of school improvement priorities through meetings, visits, reports and data analysis. They use this information to evaluate performance, ensure effective use of resources, including additional funding, and to ensure that statutory duties are met.

Safeguarding is a key priority for the Governing Body. Governors ensure that robust safeguarding policies and procedures are in place, that statutory guidance is followed, and that safeguarding arrangements are effective. A named safeguarding governor (Tim Boon) works closely with school leaders to monitor safeguarding practice and compliance.

The Governing Body also ensures that safer recruitment procedures are followed, financial management is effective and transparent, and that equality, inclusion and wellbeing are promoted throughout the school community. Governors bring a range of skills, knowledge and experience from their professional backgrounds, which supports effective governance and informed decision-making.

As a Voluntary Aided Church School, 10% of all school building and maintenance costs must be raised by the school. The Governing Body therefore supports and organises fundraising activities and campaigns to contribute towards these costs.

Parents and carers are welcome to contact the Governing Body if they have any queries or wish to raise a concern. However, governors do not become involved in individual complaints, which should be addressed through the school’s published complaints procedure.

Tony Lucas - Chair of Governors and Foundation Governor

Rebecca Bird - Vice Chair of Governors 

As a former pupil of St Richard’s Primary School and a Year 5 teacher in a local primary school, I was delighted to be appointed parent governor in October 2019.  I am married to James and we have two children in school: Joshua in Year 5 and Henry in Year 2.  I am on the finance committee and am the Sports Premium Link Governor.

Jonathan Phillips - Foundation Governor

Revd Jon Harman - Foundation Governor

I am a Foundation Governor, having been part of the Chichester parish for over 20 years. My two youngest children went to St Richard's school and on to St Philip Howard and so I have experience as a parent of what it means to have children learning in a Catholic educational setting.

I am part of the Parish Clergy Team as the Deacon in the Parish and my particular focus as a Governor is the Catholic life of the school and how the partnership between Parish, School, Nursery and Family is nurtured and encouraged.

I work full-time for the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton, as Formation and Spirituality Adviser, which involves working with Parishes, Deaneries, Clergy and Lay to plan and deliver programmes to build God's Kingdom in our communities.

Liz Hogan - Staff Governor

I have had the honour and privilege of working at St Richard’s Catholic Primary School since 2013. During my time at the school I have gained a vast knowledge and experience of our children, our school and its needs. I am reception class teacher and Early Years phase leader. Early Years is my passion and I firmly believe that a good foundation is the key to a good education.

As a member of the governing body, I feel that my knowledge and experience of our school puts me in a good position to work alongside fellow governors and our Headteacher, to make sure that our school enables every single child to reach their potential during their time with us at St Richard’s.

Tim Boon - Foundation Governor & Safeguarding Governor

I have been a Foundation Governor since 2020.  I am married to Kathryn and we have three daughters, at St Richard's Catholic Primary School.  I am an IT manager at a global e-recruitment business and wanted to become a Governor to give something back to the school and our community.  Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, sailing and surfing.

Dominic Black - Parent Governor 

I live in Chichester with my wife and two children, both St. Richards pupils, I have served in the Royal Navy for nearly 17 years. Initially joining as a Steward, I then commissioned as a Logistics Officer serving in the Indian Ocean, North and South Atlantic as well as time in the Mediterranean. Whilst a Logistics Officer, the majority of my career has been focussed on supporting people in personnel roles. It is the skills and experience from such roles I hope to use in helping the school as a Parent Governor. 

Originally from the east coast of Scotland, I am a member of the Church of Scotland and bring my Christian faith to support the Governing Body the school.

Nick Casburn - Local Authority Governor 

I am a former pupil who now currently has two children in the school. I have served in the RAF and worked within engineering fields, I now work with the Army on Thorney Island managing a service contract for the maintenance and repair of military hardware. Outside of work I enjoy all manner of sports including football and triathlons as well as getting away with the family in our touring caravan.