St Richard's Local Governing Committee

The Local Governing Committee (LGC) of St Richard’s Catholic Primary School is a committee of the Bosco Catholic Education Trust Board and operates in accordance with the Trust’s Scheme of Delegation. Governors are volunteers who bring a wide range of professional skills, knowledge and experience to support the strategic leadership and continual improvement of the school. The Committee includes Foundation Governors appointed by the Diocese, Parent Governors, Staff Governors and Co-opted Governors, all of whom work closely with the Headteacher and Trust to ensure the very best outcomes for our pupils.

As a Catholic school, our governors play a vital role in ensuring that Christ remains at the centre of all we do. Guided by our mission, 'To Know, To Love, To Serve,' the Local Governing Committee helps to preserve and develop the Catholic ethos of the school while promoting a culture of high expectations, inclusion, excellence and service. Governors work in partnership with school leaders, the parish, families and the wider community to support the continued development of St Richard’s as a thriving Catholic school.

The core responsibilities of the Local Governing Committee are to:

• Ensure clarity of Catholic vision, ethos and strategic direction.
• Hold school leaders to account for the quality of education and educational outcomes for all pupils.
• Monitor the effectiveness of leadership and management across the school.
• Provide support and challenge to drive continuous improvement.
• Oversee the financial performance of the school and ensure resources are used effectively and responsibly.
• Promote equality, inclusion, wellbeing and positive outcomes for every child.

In line with the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework, governors monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the school’s provision, including:

• Quality of Education
• Behaviour and Attitudes
• Personal Development
• Leadership and Management
• Early Years Provision
• Outcomes for all pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND

Governors act as a critical friend, celebrating successes while providing constructive challenge to ensure that standards remain high and that every pupil receives the best possible education.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is a key priority for the Local Governing Committee. Governors ensure that effective safeguarding systems and procedures are in place, statutory requirements are met, and safeguarding culture remains strong throughout the school. The Committee receives regular safeguarding reports and monitors compliance with current safeguarding guidance. A designated Safeguarding Governor works closely with school leaders to review safeguarding practice, safer recruitment procedures and staff training.

Governance Structure

The Local Governing Committee operates through a committee structure, with governors meeting regularly throughout the year to review progress, monitor priorities and fulfil their statutory responsibilities. In addition to committee meetings, the full Local Governing Committee meets regularly, ensuring all governors remain well informed and able to provide timely support, challenge and strategic oversight.

All governors serve a four-year term of office and are committed to supporting the school in achieving its vision and strategic priorities.

Buildings and Fundraising

As a Catholic school within the Diocesan family of schools, St Richard’s contributes towards the maintenance and development of its buildings. Governors support fundraising initiatives and seek opportunities to invest in the school environment, ensuring that pupils benefit from high-quality facilities that enhance learning and wellbeing.

Contacting the Governing Body

The Local Governing Committee welcomes feedback from parents and carers and values strong partnerships with families. Anyone wishing to contact the Governing Body may do so through the school office.

Please note that governors do not become involved in individual complaints. Any concerns should be addressed through the school's published Complaints Procedure, which can be found on the school website.

Through faith-filled leadership, strategic oversight and a commitment to excellence, the governors of St Richard’s Catholic Primary School work to ensure that every child is known, valued and supported to flourish academically, socially and spiritually.

Types of Governor

Foundation Governors 
Appointed by the Bishop to preserve and promote the Catholic ethos of the school.

Parent Governors
Elected by parents and carers to represent the views of families within the school community.

Staff Governors
Elected by staff to contribute their knowledge and experience of school life.

Co-opted Governors
Appointed for the skills, knowledge and expertise they bring to support effective governance.

Headteacher Governor 
The Headteacher is an ex-officio member of the Local Governing Committee and works closely with governors to support the strategic leadership of the school.

Meet our Governors

Tony Lucas – Chair of Governors

Tony was appointed as Chair of Governors at St Richard’s Catholic Primary School in December 2022. A committed parishioner of Our Lady of Sorrows, Bognor Regis, Tony is passionate about serving his local community and living out the values of faith through acts of service.

As Chair of Governors, Tony works closely with school leaders and the Bosco Catholic Education Trust to support the school's strategic development and ensure that our mission, 'To Know, To Love, To Serve,' remains at the heart of all we do. Drawing on his commitment to the Church and wider community, Tony helps provide both support and challenge to ensure that every child at St Richard's receives the very best Catholic education.

• Chair of Governors since December 2022
• Pecuniary interest declared September 2026 - Also CoG at St Mary's, Bognor
• 100% attendance in 2025/26

Rebecca Bird - Vice Chair of Governors 

Rebecca was appointed as a Parent Governor in October 2019 and currently serves as Vice Chair of Governors. As a former pupil of St Richard’s and a Year 5 teacher in a local primary school, she brings valuable educational knowledge and experience to the Local Governing Committee.

Rebecca is passionate about ensuring that every child receives the best possible education and is committed to supporting the continued success of St Richard’s. She serves on the Finance Committee and is the school's Sports Premium Link Governor, helping to monitor the effective use of funding to enhance opportunities and outcomes for pupils.

Rebecca lives locally with her husband, James, and their two children, who attend St Richard’s Catholic Primary School. Her connection to both the school and the wider community gives her a strong understanding of the values, aspirations and needs of St Richard’s families.

• Parent Governor since October 2019
• No pecuniary interest declared September 2026
• 100% attendance in 2025/26

Jonathan Phillips - Foundation Governor

Jonathan was appointed as a Foundation Governor at St Richard’s Catholic Primary School in November 2023. He brings extensive professional experience from his role within a large, locally based multi-sector construction company, providing valuable expertise and strategic insight to the Local Governing Committee.

A committed member of the Catholic community, Jonathan attends Arundel Cathedral, where he regularly volunteers and welcomes visitors. His faith, commitment to service and strong community values align closely with the mission of St Richard’s, 'To Know, To Love, To Serve.'

As a Foundation Governor, Jonathan is passionate about supporting the Catholic life of the school and ensuring that all children are given the opportunity to flourish academically, spiritually and personally within a nurturing and ambitious learning environment.

• Foundation Governor since November 2023
• No pecuniary interest declared September 2026
• 100% attendance in 2025/26

Liz Hogan - Staff Governor

Liz has worked at St Richard’s Catholic Primary School since 2013 and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience of the school, its pupils and the wider community. As our Reception Class Teacher and Early Years Leader, Liz is passionate about Early Years education and firmly believes that a strong start to school life provides the foundation for future success.

As a Staff Governor, Liz uses her extensive understanding of the school to work closely with fellow governors and school leaders, helping to ensure that every decision made is in the best interests of our children. She is committed to supporting St Richard’s in providing an exceptional education where every pupil is encouraged and supported to reach their full potential academically, socially and spiritually.

• Staff Governor since December 2019
• No pecuniary interest declared September 2026
• 100% attendance in 2025/26

Tim Boon - Foundation Governor & Safeguarding Governor

Tim has served as a Foundation Governor at St Richard’s Catholic Primary School since 2020 and is the school’s Safeguarding Governor. He is passionate about supporting the school community and helping to ensure that every child is safe, supported and able to thrive.

Tim is married to Kathryn, and they have three daughters who attend St Richard’s. As both a parent and governor, he has a strong understanding of the school community and is committed to helping St Richard’s continue to provide an excellent education for all pupils.

Professionally, Tim works as an IT Manager for a global e-recruitment business, bringing valuable expertise in technology, leadership and strategic planning to his role as governor. He became a governor to give something back to the school and wider community.

Outside of work, Tim enjoys spending time with his family and making the most of the South Coast through sailing and surfing.

• Foundation Governor since July 2024
• No pecuniary interest declared September 2026
• 100% attendance in 2025/26

Dominic Black - Parent Governor 

Dominic was appointed as a Parent Governor in March 2023 and brings a wealth of leadership and personnel experience from a distinguished career in the Royal Navy, where he has served for nearly 17 years. Having initially joined as a Steward before commissioning as a Logistics Officer, Dominic has served across the Indian Ocean, North and South Atlantic, and the Mediterranean. Much of his career has focused on supporting people through personnel roles, and he is keen to use these skills and experiences to support the work of the Local Governing Committee.

Dominic lives in Chichester with his wife and two children, both of whom attend St Richard’s Catholic Primary School. As a parent, he is committed to helping the school provide the very best opportunities and outcomes for all pupils.

Originally from the east coast of Scotland, Dominic is a member of the Church of Scotland and brings his Christian faith, values and commitment to service to his role as governor, helping to support the continued success of the school and wider community.

• Parent Governor since March 2023
• No pecuniary interest declared September 2026
• 83% attendance in 2025/26

Nick Casburn - Local Authority Governor 

Nick was appointed as a Local Authority Governor in March 2023. A former pupil of St Richard’s Catholic Primary School, he now has two children attending the school and is passionate about supporting its continued success for both current and future generations of pupils.

Nick served in the Royal Air Force and has built a career within engineering and technical fields. He currently works with the British Army at Thorney Island, managing a service contract responsible for the maintenance and repair of military equipment. His professional experience brings valuable skills in leadership, project management and strategic oversight to the Local Governing Committee.

As both a former pupil and current parent, Nick has a strong connection to the school community and is committed to helping ensure that all children receive the very best education and opportunities during their time at St Richard’s.

Outside of work, Nick enjoys a wide range of sports, including football and triathlons, and spending time with his family, particularly when exploring the country in their touring caravan.

• Local Authority Governor since March 2023
• No pecuniary interest declared September 2026
• 100% attendance in 2025/26