Mrs Josephine P McCrea (Chair)
"I am Chair of the Governing Body of St Joseph’s Catholic High School where I serve on two committees: Leadership and Curriculum. I am also the link governor for English, French and Spanish. I am a retired secondary school teacher with experience in Senior Management and in teaching English and French to A level. As an active member of the parish of Christ the Good Shepherd I welcome this opportunity to work closely with our parish secondary school."
Mr Alan Woowat
"I am a chartered mechanical engineer and recently retired after 37 years in the nuclear industry. I have experience of project and programme management. I spent the last 10 years of my career in strategy development and the governance of strategy delivery. As a Fellow and registered mentor for the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, I had the privilege to guide and train young engineers. As an active member of the parish of Christ the Good Shepherd, I welcome the opportunity to work closely with St Joseph’s school."
Mr Ian Nevitt
"First and foremost, I am a practicing Catholic that is committed to helping and supporting the Governing Body in their role to make Christ known to all people and to assist the role of the Bishop and our Parents in equipping our students to be fully ready for the intellect, moral, spiritual and cultural challenges that they will face in life. I have worked at St Joseph’s Catholic High School since 2018 when I was appointed as an Assistant Headteacher with training to Headship. I was elected as the staff representative on the Governing Body of St Joseph’s Catholic High School in 2019 and I continued this role until I was appointed Headteacher. I serve on several committees including Leadership, Catholic Ethos and the Curriculum. It is an honour and privilege to work which such a dedicated and committed governing Body in their strive for excellence for the children we have been entrusted with."
Professor Robert Hannaford
"I recently retired after a long career as an Anglican priest and academic. I was received into the Catholic Church in 2021 here in Workington. My last job before retirement was as Director of Ministerial Formation for the Anglican Diocese of Carlisle. My first job, many years ago now, was as an RE teacher at a Comprehensive School in Cornwall. I have taught Theology and Philosophy in several Universities, including many years as Professor of Theology and Executive Dean of Faculty at the University of Cumbria. This included a spell as the Dean responsible for the University's work in Education and Teacher Education. My wife and I originally came to Workington after I retired from University work to become Priest in Charge of the Anglican parish of St John's in Workington. We both now worship in the parish of Christ the Good Shepherd, and I look forward to becoming part of the wider community of the School."
Father Philip Conner
"My name is Fr Philip Conner; I am the parish priest of Christ the Good Shepherd parish of Workington and a foundation governor of St Joseph's. Prior to my time in West Cumbria, I was parish priest in Lancaster and chaplain to the University of Lancaster for six years, and the diocesan youth chaplain for eight years, working with primary and secondary schools across the North-West. Alongside my other duties, I am currently the Episcopal Vicar for the Clergy, responsible for clergy welfare and ongoing formation."
Mrs Patricia Poole
"I attended St Joseph’s School (a few years ago!) and have so many fond memories of my time there. I have three sons, all who have previously attended St Joseph’s and two of them have done extremely well in their chose careers, and my youngest is now at 6th Form. I have been a governor at St Joseph’s for over 16 years starting as a Parent Governor, then I was appointed as a Foundation Governor by the Church. I am very proud to be part of this wonderful school with pupils who want to achieve the very best they can. I am the Chair of the Attendance and Behaviour Committee and a member of the Finance, Buildings and Health and Safety Committee. I am also the designated governor for attendance. I am also a Foundation Governor at St Patrick’s Primary School and the Manager of the Helena Thompson Museum."
Mr Stephen Maxwell (Vice Chair)
"I am Stephen Maxwell and I was appointed by the Bishop of Lancaster as a Foundation Governor for St. Joseph’s School. My association with the school dates back to 1986 when I was a pupil, leaving in 1991 to start my working career with a large Financial Organisation, where I have now completed over 26 years’ service. I have experience in Banking, Finance and Project Management. I am an active member of the parish of ‘Christ the Good Shepherd’. I feel privileged to be given this opportunity to serve as a Governor of the school and I look forward to supporting my fellow Governors, our Head teacher and staff in promoting the Catholic Faith and Ethos of the school. While also ensuring the safeguarding of our pupils and seeing them leave the school having achieved their full potential to strive for greater things."
Emma Williams
"I joined the school in 2019 and have supported many departments before settling into my role as the engineering and design and technology teacher. Prior to working at St Josephs, I have run an engineering company, worked in healthcare and published two children's books.
I am delighted to have been elected as staff governor and I feel privileged to support and engage with staff and students everyday to ensure we are all successful, happy and help our students reach their full potential."
Mrs Deborah Naylor
"I am the Area Manager for Inspira, an organisation working to help young people and adults fulfil their potential. As a former pupil of St Joseph’s School, I feel privileged to be a member of the Governing Body, supporting the school and to help our children to achieve the best possible outcomes. I am an active member of Rotary International."
