Governance

A centralised approach to school governance

In 2018, the governance of Diocesan Schools’ in the Diocese of Sale was transferred to a newly established entity, being Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL).

Our governance structure allows Parish Priests to dedicate more of their time to the pastoral and spiritual aspects of their roles. Parish Priests are no longer the employer of school staff.

Operating as part of the mission of the Catholic Church, DOSCEL provides leadership, support, and services in the governance role of schools. It is DOSCEL’s responsibility as a governing body to ensure each school and the secretariat maintains and promotes the Catholic identity of the schools in the Diocese while meeting all legislative and regulatory requirements. This includes a strong focus on embedding and sustaining safe professional environments across all schools and workplaces, as well as a commitment to child safety.

Organisational structure

DOSCEL is a Company limited by guarantee. The sole Member of the Company is the Bishop of Sale.

The Bishop has appointed a Board of Directors who work closely with the Director of Catholic Education and executive team to manage the day-to-day operations of the organisation.

The Director of Catholic Education is supported by staff of the DOSCEL Secretariat. These staff members work closely with schools to implement DOSCEL’s vision of students becoming engaged and successful learners who are able to draw on the life-giving traditions and spirituality of the Catholic faith. 

The 2024 members of the board are:

• Mr Garry McLean (Chair) 

• Ms Cathy Jenkins (Deputy Chair)

• Very Rev. Dean Francis Otobo

• Emeritus Professor Gabrielle McMullen AM

• The Hon. Martin Dixon 

• Dr Dominic Thomas

• Rev. Jeff Kleynjans

• Mr John Swan

Executive members:

• Mr Paul Velten – Chief Executive Officer/Director of Catholic Education

• Ms Debra Punton – Chief Operations Officer/Deputy Director

• Mr John Jordan – Chief Compliance Officer

• Ms Kirrilly Bridger - Chief Financial Officer 

Photo top of this page are from left: DOSCEL Board Directors Ms Cathy Jenkins (Deputy), Mr Garry McLean (Chair), DOSCEL Chief Financial Officer Ms Kirrilly Bridger, Board Directors The Hon. Mr Martin Dixon, Dr Dominic Thomas, Catholic Bishop of Sale Most Reverend Greg Bennet, Rev. Jeff Kleynjans,  DOSCEL Chief Executive Officer/Director Mr Paul Velten, Board Directors Mr John Swan, Very Rev. Dean Francis Otobo, and Emeritus Professor Gabrielle McMullen AM.  

The DOSCEL Governance Structure  is available to download as a pdf.