Name

David Salmon, Chair - 04/02/25-Present

When I completed my training to be a teacher, I was fortunate enough to be offered a teaching position here in Cumbria, where I was born and brought up, and I worked here throughout a long career, before retiring in March 2022.  I was a teacher in Wigton, Thursby and Carlisle before becoming the Headteacher of Bothel Church of England Primary School (later St Michael's, Bothel - when we had the new school built in 1989).  I began a 2-year secondment as a School Improvement Partner for the Local Authority in 2008.  I then resigned from my Headship in 2010 to accept a full-time role within the Learning Improvement Team as a General Adviser.

Over the years I have worked with many Governing Bodies, both as a Head and as an Adviser, in lots of different roles - supporting, advising, challenging, training, coaching and mentoring - but this is the first time I have chaired a Governing Body.  As I said to the Governors at my first meeting with them, I will do my very best to be the Chair which St Joseph's deserves.

I have found that the old saying about being so busy in retirement that you don't know how you had time to go to work, is very true!  I'm enjoying spending much more time with my two young grandchildren, and I'm making full use of my caravan. 

Contact: Chair@st-josephsrc.cumbria.sch.uk 

Chair 

IEB Meetings Attended since February 2025:

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Jacqueline Hampson - 01/01/25-Present 

I have been involved in education in Cumbria since I began my teaching career in 1992. I took up the post of headteacher of Our Lady and St Patrick's in Maryport in 2003 and remained there until my retirement in July 2024. During that time, I also became the Executive Headteacher of another local Catholic primary school. Working in a school is such a privilege and I loved my time with the children and staff. 

In the past I have worked as a National Leader of Education, supporting schools across Cumbria to make necessary improvements. More recently, since my retirement from headship, I have taken on the role of Primary Religious Education Adviser for the Diocese of Lancaster Education Service. 

I am looking forward to working alongside the other governors and staff of St Joseph's, to make sure the children get a great education. 

Contact: Jacqueline@st-josephsrc.cumbria.sch.uk 

IEB Meetings Attended since January 2025:

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Brian Eaton - 21/12/23-Present 

I live close to Bassenthwaite Lake with family in Hong Kong - some contrast!

Professionally, I've recently completed three years as Director of Benenden Health so understand the leadership, scrutiny and challenge involved as a Board member. My Benenden work included being part of the Audit and Risk Committee and Member Services Committee. This gives a balance between understanding the organisation, its risks, and its responsiveness to users including parents and pupils.

I work part time as a University Lecturer and have a depth of understanding of leadership and governance and an ability to influence policy formation. My work has been in diverse cultures including China and New Zealand, and I currently work in university business schools in the UK and occasionally in Hong Kong.

I've been a trustee of Eden Special Multi-Academy Trust for five years. The Trust has seven special schools, most of which are rated outstanding. I've contributed to the Finance Committee throughout this time and have chaired the Audit Committee so understand at least some of the pressures on schools funding. Previously I was Chair of Governors of the outstanding James Rennie School in Carlisle and served for several years as a member of the Children’s Services Scrutiny Board of the Council.

Contact: Brian@st-josephsrc.cumbria.sch.uk

SEND Governor

IEB Meetings Attended since January 2024:

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Sue Blair - 21/12/23 - Present 

I have had the privilege of being a head teacher for the last 23 years: 5 years in the North East and 17 in Carlisle.  I retired in December 2022, and then started working as a School Improvement Partner for a local Academy Trust after a short break to recharge the batteries.  I am also Chair of Governors for a Church of England primary school in Carlisle.

I am a keen road cyclist and love walking in our wonderful countryside - we are so blessed to live in such a stunning area of outstanding beauty.  

I look forward to working with the children, staff and families of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School.  I have already been impressed with the polite and respectful children who were so keen to share their learning during my recent visit to the school.  

Contact: Sueb@st-josephsrc.cumbria.sch.uk

Safeguarding & Pupil Premium

Finance Committee

IEB Meetings Attended since January 2024:

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IEB Finance Meetings Attended since January 2024:

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Alan Woowat - 21/12/23-Present 

I grew up in the North East of England and studied mechanical engineering at the City & Guilds College in London, before moving to work in west Cumbria 43 years ago.  I had an interesting and varied career as an engineer working in nuclear design, construction, operations, decommissioning and programme management, before my last few years working in strategic development and governance.  As a Fellow and registered mentor of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, I had the privilege to train and guide young engineers. 

Now retired, I am a governor at a secondary school in Workington, and I am pleased to also work with St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School.

I am married and have 4 sons, the youngest now studying for his GCSEs; I am enjoying having a go at some of his mathematics questions.  In my spare time, I enjoy fell walking and cycling, and recently I have been constructing a 1/76th scale model of the Monkwearmouth railway bridge. You cannot stop an engineer’s urge to tinker and make things!

Contact: Alan@st-josephsrc.cumbria.sch.uk

Board Member

Finance Committee

IEB Meetings Attended since January 2024:

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IEB Finance Meetings Attended since January 2024:

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Lynsey Armstrong - 21/12/23-Present 

I am currently a General Advisor for Cumberland Council with the Learning Improvement Service, and I lead on Moderation and Assessment. My role is to support school improvement and leadership. I also sit as a representative on the Children’s Trust Board for Safeguarding.

Leading up to this role I was an Early Years Team Manager for the North of Cumbria, leading a team of professional advisors. I held the responsibility for EYFS Profile Moderation and Assessment for Cumbria. Prior to joining the Council, I worked across 4 schools from large primaries to smaller rural schools. This included senior leadership roles and acting headship.  I was a trained SENCO and a lead teacher for mixed age practice. I have a keen interest in outdoor learning and worked as part of an outdoor educational establishment for a number of years before training to be a teacher.

Over the course of my 23-year career in education I have been a member of a governing body, taking up the Chair role and supporting the school through inspection, opening a nursery and moving into an Academy Trust. 

I have two children, 16 and 11, who keep me busy with their active social lives! I am a keen walker and have two beautiful energetic dogs who love nothing more than roaming around the fells getting muddy. I am looking forward to working with St Joseph’s Catholic Primary school, hearing about the wonderful work you do here and meeting the children and families.

Contact: Lynsey@st-josephsrc.cumbria.sch.uk

Board Member

IEB Meetings Attended since January 2024:

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Annette Savage

Headteacher

Contact: Head@st-josephsrc.cumbria.sch.uk

Finance Committee

IEB Meetings Attended since July 2024:

IEB Finance Meetings Attended since July 2024:

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Angela Quirk, Chair - 21/12/23-31/12/24

Chair

Finance Committee

IEB Meetings Attended since January 2024: December 24

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IEB Finance Meetings Attended since January 2024:

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Georgina Mawson (Acting headteacher) - 21/12/23-31/09/24

Finance Committee

IEB Meetings Attended since January 2024: - August 2024

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IEB Finance Meetings Attended since January 2024: - August 2024

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