Governors
Local Governing Body
Membership
The Local Governing Board shall consist of eight members of which there shall be
- One staff
- Two elected parents
- Five Foundation (including the Headteacher)
The term of office of local governors is four years.
Chair of Governors: Mr Kieran Heakin (kheakin@stmarys.romerocat.com)
Trust Governance Professional: Ms Helen Whitaker (hwhitaker@romerocat.com)
Our current Governor membership for 2023-2024 can be seen below and in the link at the bottom of the page.
Meet the Governors
Councillor Kieran Heakin - Chair and Foundation Governor
I have been a member of St Mary’s and St Anselm’s parish since I moved to Whitworth in 1979. I have always been involved in education on a wide scale and enjoy the opportunity to support St Mary’s RC Primary School as a governor.
I have a wide range of experiences, skills and knowledge that I bring to the role of governor. I have good communication skills and am highly motivated and principled. I am a good listener with good interpersonal skills but most of all good judgement and common sense. I have good organisational skills and am used to working under pressure. I am a team player and understand that contributions from all team members should be valued.
As a manager, I understand the need to be able to communicate effectively with people from all walks of life and varieties of backgrounds. I enjoy meeting new people and am down to earth friendly and have a good sense of humour. As a manager, I am a leader and motivator of people and am used to getting the job done.
I am widely experienced in the field of education. I have been a teacher for 43 years and a headteacher for 30 years before my retirement in 2015. I have also been an OFSTED Inspector, School Improvement Partner, Local Leader of Education and Diocesan Leader of Education in Salford Diocese.
On a wider scale, I am Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services on Rochdale Council and Councillor for the Healey Ward in Rochdale. I am Chairman of a local charity, Health Aid UK and enjoy playing too much squash at Rochdale Cricket Club.
Fr Chris McGrane - Ex Officio
I am Fr Chris McGrane, I was appointed Parish Priest of St Mary and St Anselm’s Bacup and Whitworth on 19th October 2018 . I studied in Rome and was ordained priest in 14th July 2001 after having worked in the British Council , over the last 18 years I have served in 6 parishes before I came to St Mary’s and Anselm’s , having had a lot of experience both in as a governor and in chaplaincy in both primary and high schools in those parishes.
I am very pleased and honoured to have been made an ex officio Governor to St Mary’s and to be able to join in the spiritual and social life of the school where I have been made welcome by some very nice children and a very dedicated staff.
Mrs Shelley Johnson - Parent Governor
I’m Shelley, I have lived the majority of my life in Bacup. I’m a mummy to 5 children, 3 step children. I have been a part of the St Mary’s family for many years. My eldest is 18 and he was part of the school and my youngest children are five and six so I have many more years to come. As a parent governor I feel I can have my input for all other parents within the school community.
Mr Andy Dickinson - Associate Governor
Miss Sheena Mills - Staff Governor
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