Academy Council Members

Deborah Welch – Foundation Governor

Why I serve as a governor

I am passionate about creating the best opportunity for every child in our school and faith community. As a parent of two children who attended St Joseph’s I believe every child should have the opportunity to receive excellent educational, pastoral and wrap around care. Excellent primary education ensures that school life gives children great memories, long lasting friendships and the best chance of success as an adult, including a healthy mind-set.

 The skills I bring to the Governing Body

I am director of a branch of the national charity Live Music Now – we work and campaign to create inclusive, measurable social impact through music. My role allows me to operate at both a strategic level, ensuring that  there is a clear vision for progress and at operational level through project and financial management and evaluation of impact.

Elizabeth Jackson - Foundation Governor

Why I serve as a governor

I have one child in KS2 and another who has now left St Joseph's after 7 happy years. I serve as a foundation governor to support the school and share my skills. I want to contribute to building a nurturing and resilient school community, ensuring the best outcomes and experiences for all our children. 

 The skills I bring to the Governing Body

As a qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) my focus is very much on financial management. I work at a senior level within a large local authority where I currently manage the Schools Finance Team. This gives me a great insight into education funding, financial pressures and all the strategic challenges facing schools. Beyond the numbers, I have knowledge and experience of recruitment, training, governance, performance management and project team working. I hope to use my skills to help ensure the school's resources are used efficiently and effectively, allowing us to deliver our key priorities.

Mary-Jane Murray - Foundation Governor

 Why I serve as a governor

My children attended St Joseph’s so have known the school a long time. Having retired from being a teaching headteacher of another small primary, I thought I had something to offer a school that faced similar challenges to what I experienced, and could help the headteacher in what is an increasingly challenging role

David Barnes -Foundation Governor

David was born in Horsforth, West Yorkshire and attended Bradford Grammar School before studying Geography at the University of Cambridge.  All three of his children attended St Joseph’s and they have all gone on to develop very successful careers – a doctor, a marketing director and a software engineer.

David retired six years ago from a 37 year career in banking, specialising in business lending.  He was appointed a Foundation Governor in 2012 and was Chairman of the Resources Committee, responsible for Finance, Staff and Premises, before the work of the sub-committees was taken over by the Full Governing Body, two years ago.  His third and final term of office is due to finish in 2024.

He is also one of the organists at St Joseph’s church and has regularly visited school to accompany the children’s singing on the piano.

Louise Watson  -   Associate Governor

Why I serve as a governor

I have worked in educational settings for my whole adult life and understand the necessity of a supporting Governing Body to the success of a school. Both of my children attended St Joseph’s and benefitted from the excellent care and guidance that they received, with the core values of the Catholic Faith at its heart. All children deserve the chance to thrive and develop their talents – as a Governor, I have the chance to help the school to ensure that this can happen. 

 The skills I bring to the Governing Body

I have served on the Governing Body of St. Joseph’s since 2013 and understand the increasing challenges faced by staff, families and the wider school community.

I am a Physics teacher (11-18) and have held positions of responsibility in my professional career.  Therefore, I understand the way in which schools work and the strategies that can be used to promote a love of learning, resilience and inclusivity.  I have been Chair of an Early Years setting and have an in-depth knowledge of Safeguarding across all age groups. In addition, I appreciate fully the positive impact that all staff within school have on the wellbeing of children. 

Jenny Pinder - Parent Governor

Why I serve as a governor

I have two children, both in Key Stage 2. I have been a parent governor since my eldest daughter was in reception and really enjoy my role in supporting and helping to develop the school. I am a secondary school French teacher and this means I can volunteer my skills to teach French to children at St Joseph’s too.

 The skills I bring to the Board

I am a secondary school French teacher and this means I can volunteer my skills to teach French to children at St Joseph’s too.

Leanne Smith -Parent Governor

Why I serve as a Governor

I don't have a background in education so hope that I can not only learn a lot and develop my skill set, but bring a different perspective and ideas to the board. I feel that to be able to positively be involved in the school where my son goes, is a huge honour and very rewarding. I want to be able to contribute to the opportunities that our children have and be able to help develop our school and support the staff that not only teach them, but care for them. I believe that every child should be given the opportunity to strive love the sense of inclusion that St Joseph's offers. 

The skills I bring to the Board

Working in hospitality, I am used to working in a reactive, busy environment. I think this makes me quite practical in my thinking and ideas and believe I am good at finding solutions to problems that we encounter. 

I am a very caring and empathetic person, with a good ear for listening and advice to offer when appropriate. 

I have a strong background in admin and am exceptionally discreet.