Liverpool’s St Margaret Clitherow Centre to host Catholic Multi-Academy Trusts Conference

On Friday 13th October, the St Margaret Clitherow Centre in Croxteth, Liverpool will be the venue for a conference for directors and governors of Catholic Multi Academy Trusts, run by the Catholic Education Service (CES), Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), and the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD).

With an introductory welcome from Joan McCarthy, Director of Education at the Archdiocese of 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 number of Catholic schools joining MATs is growing, the opportunity to explore 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 well placed to offer support and inspiration for holding Gospel values and CST at the heart of educational communities, in collaboration with diocesan education departments.

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.

Raymond is a well-known Catholic educator, author and speaker who will focus onbringing Catholic Social Teaching into the boardroom.

Dr Mary Mihovilović from St Mary’s University, who is 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 time to benefit from sharing diverse experiences with colleagues from different dioceses.

In this way, CMAT directors, governors and senior leaders can be confident that they will be 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.”

To register for the conference, click here.