Director

Ian McNiff is the Director of the Department of Schools and Colleges.  His responsibilities include:

general support and advice to schools and colleges (including a telephone helpline)
support and advice to the bishop and trustees of the diocese on education policy and procedures and statutory issues
links with other diocesan services such as property, child protection, finance and adult education and evangelisation
governor appointments and training
capital and building programmes in schools
advising on and coordinating admissions arrangements and appeals to Catholic schools and colleges
assisting with appointments to Headteacher and other leadership posts in Catholic schools and colleges
liaison with local education authorities, learning and skills councils and other school providers particularly the Anglican dioceses
establishing effective links with national organisations such as the Department for Education and Skills and the Catholic Education Service (CES).

Brendan works closely with two other highly valued members of staff, Jenny Fitzgerald and Sandra O'Sullivan, who are based in the diocesan offices at Alexander House in Bristol, in providing a responsive and efficient advice and support service to governors, headteachers, parents, parishes and members of the public in matters relating to Catholic education in the diocese. Jenny and Sandra are generally the first point of contact in this service.

Newsletters
January 2008 (148k)
September 2007 (144k)
April 2006 (228k)
December 2006 (208k)
June 2006 (96k)
March 2006 (196k)
November 2005 (232k)
September 2005 (132k)
August 2005 (100k)
April 2005 (136k)
December 2004 (60k)
August 2004 (220k)

Recent policy documents and information guidelines
Sex Education Policy (Primary) (173k)
Early Years & Extended Day Provision at Catholic Schools (133k)
Draft Admissions Policy & Guidance Notes (36k)
Guide to the Law for School Governors VA School (1Mb)
Lettings Agreement (35k)
Blue Book 2006/2007 (in Word format (368k)
Annual Report 2005/2006 (237k)
Every Child Matters (A Catholic Perspective) (347k)