Information of Council / Dec Membership

Council oversees and authorises the strategic and operational policies and procedures of CCMS. They also take an overview of the work undertaken by the other subcommittees.

The Council is made up of thirty-six members:

• 20 appointed by Trustees
• 8 appointed by the Department of Education through public advertisement
• 4 teacher representatives
• 4 parent representatives from Boards of Governors.

Council oversees and authorises the strategic and operational policies and procedures of CCMS. They also take an overview of the work undertaken by the other subcommittees.

A full list of Council Members can be found here and Minutes are available here.

DECS

Five Diocesan Education Committees (DECs) also feed into the work of the Council. DECs act in an advisory capacity, supporting the Council to deliver against its priorities and duties by providing a local, diocesan perspective. They also play an important role in the recruitment of school leaders in their diocese.

The DECs are as follows:

• Armagh
• Clogher & Kilmore
• Derry
• Down & Connor
• Dromore

Parent and Teacher Governor Representatives

As part of reconstitution, CCMS has recently invited Parent and Teacher Governors of Catholic maintained schools to join their local, Diocesan Education Committee (DECs) and/or the Council of CCMS. This reconstitution will be reviewed in 4 years’ time (2028/2029) for any interested parties.

Council members are responsible for shaping CCMS's strategic direction and priorities, and for representing the interests of all Catholic Maintained Schools. DEC members help the Council to deliver against these priorities by advising on local, diocesan considerations; as well as playing an important part in the recruitment of school leaders.

What does the role involve?

Members are appointed for a 4 year term. DECs meet approximately 3 times per year, and Council meets approximately 5 times per year. As a member of Council you will also sit on a sub committee which may meet 5-6 times per year.

Meetings are held during the day and typically last up to 2hours. A large number of meetings can be attended online, but there will be a requirement to attend some in person meetings.

DEC in-person meetings take place within the diocese, while Council & Commitee in-person meetings take place in CCMS offices, Lisburn.

Are these paid roles?

These are not remunerated positions, however attendance and mileage is paid as outlined below;