Catholic MATs conference: A day of inspiration and reflection for governors and directors in Catholic multi academy trusts
The Catholic Schools Inspection Handbook (page 38) invites leaders and governors to aim to become ‘…inspirational witnesses to the Gospel and to Catholic Social Teaching in their direction of the school at every level.’
“The only future worth building includes everyone.”
Pope Francis (Ted Talk 2017)
Are you a governor in a Catholic multi academy trust? Or a school governor in a school that is preparing to join a CMAT? Would you like support in how you can assist your school leadership in embedding Catholic Social Teaching (CST) through all aspects of the life and mission of your school and trust? We would love you to join us for an inspiring day of reflection on your role and how you can be an “inspirational witness to the Gospel”!
On Friday 13 October 2023 the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD), the Catholic Education Service (CES), and Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) are holding a conference for directors and governors of Catholic Multi Academy Trusts (CMATs) at the St Margaret Clitherow Centre in Liverpool. This enriching day will bring together speakers and experts who will inspire attendees and promote sharing of best practice, fostering supportive networks for the future.
As the numbers of Catholic schools looking to join MATs is growing, the opportunity to explore and maximise the benefits of collaborative impact is welcome, particularly in the context of Catholic education, where each school community strives to have Christ at the centre. CES, CSAN and CAFOD’s role as agencies of the Bishops’ Conference mean that they are ideally placed to offer support and inspiration for holding Gospel values and CST at the heart of educational communities.
Building on the foundation of last year’s well received conference, this year’s meeting includes a focus on formation in Catholic Social Teaching, and its significance in guiding decision-making within CMATs, particularly in reference to the Catholic Schools Inspection framework.
Speakers include Paul Barber, Director of the CES and Raymond Friel OBE, CEO of CSAN and a former director of Catholic MATs.
Mary Mihovilović, Associate Professor and Programme Lead for postgraduate taught programmes in Education, and a current Foundation Director of Thomas Aquinas CMAT, will draw on her extensive experience in Catholic educational settings to explore how leaders and governors can prepare to join a CMAT.
Tom Baptist, Director of Chaplaincy for Our Lady of Lourdes MAT in Nottingham, will offer his experience of an innovative approach to chaplaincy across the whole CMAT. With the new Prayer and Liturgy Directory on the horizon, this will be a good opportunity to understand how you can support your schools in this area.
With many years of experience in Catholic Education, Susan Kambalu, CAFOD’s Secondary CPD Adviser, and a member of the Religious Education Directory writing group, will bring the global focus of CST to life.
In addition to thought provoking input from the speakers, the programme of the day includes moments of practical interaction, time to network, and to benefit from sharing diverse experiences with colleagues from across the country. In this way, CMAT directors and Governors can be confident that they are fully supported in building a community where: “In every one of their decisions, they [leaders and governors] demonstrate an exemplary commitment to care for our common home, to the pursuit of the common good and to service of those in greatest need.” (CSI Handbook, page 38)