Conference for Catholic Multi Academy Trusts

Source: CES

"The only future worth building includes everyone" Pope Francis (Ted Talk 2017)

The Catholic Schools Inspection Handbook 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.' (Pg 38)

On Friday 13th 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.

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 many years of experience in Catholic Education, Susan Kambalu, CAFOD's Secondary CPD Adviser, 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." (Pg 38)

To register for the conference visit: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/building-a-catholic-multi-academy-trust-directors-and-governors-of-cmats-tickets-559658041267?aff=oddtdtcreator

Letter: Not all schools want to join Catholic Multi-Academy Trusts: www.indcatholicnews.com/news/47822