Lancaster Diocese

The Education Service

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The Diocesan Schools Commission, known as the Education Service, has a twofold role: to ensure Catholic schools comply with the law of the land, and to ensure they remain faithful to the teachings of the Church. In this regard, it is an agent of the local Bishop and acts on his behalf in carrying out his canonical oversight. The Service also offers national representation for the schools within the Diocese through work with the Catholic Education Service and other national organisations.

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In broad terms, the Education Service fulfils its mission in three key areas:

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Vocation - to assist in the appointment of those called to serve in reserved posts, or in foundation governance roles, on behalf of the Bishop. The Education Service signposts schools to contracts, appraisal, procedures and other employment documents advocated by the Catholic Education Service.

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Formation - to be proactive in offering formation by providing guidance and training for all aspects of Catholic education, including RE, collective worship, RSHE, governance, admissions, and policy.

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Confirmation - to ensure Diocesan policies and expectations are met and our schools are in good order, through the carrying out of Section 48 inspection, working with external partners such as the DfE, Ofsted or the Local Authority, and liaising closely with the property department to ensure buildings are well maintained and managed.

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Paying for the service

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‍The Education Service is funded by the parishes of the Diocese of Lancaster through a contribution which comes from the Trustees, as well as through the contributions received from schools. The contributions received from schools are voluntary. However, schools should expect to make a contribution as in order for there to be Catholic schools, the Bishop must be able to exercise episcopal oversight through the work of the Education Service.

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The staff working principally with schools are:

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Fr Michael Docherty – Episcopal Vicar for Education and Formation

Mr Michael Merrick – Diocesan Schools Commissioner (DSC)

Mr Geoff Chapman – Director of Formation

Mrs Fran Wygladala - Lead for Governance and Appointments

Mrs Jacqueline Hampson - Primary RE Adviser (North)

Mrs Margaret Wright - Primary RE Adviser (South)

Mrs Heather Watts – Office Manager

Mrs Jackie Broadley – Secretary

Mr Paul Lovell – School Buildings Surveyor

Mrs Liz Dick – School Buildings Administrator

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Diocese of Lancaster Education Service, The Education Centre, Balmoral Road, Lancaster, LA1 3BT 01524 841190