Team Members Profile

Josephine Hughes

Josephine Hughes is the new R.E. Adviser for SCES and the Diocese of Motherwell. After 20 years of service as Principal Teacher of Religious Education in St Ninian's High School in Kirkintilloch, Josephine is both delighted and excited to be taking on this new challenge and very much looks forward to working and getting to know everyone. The Scottish Catholic Education Service and The Diocese of Motherwell welcome Josephine on board.

Michael McGrath

Michael was appointed as the first Director of SCES in August 2003. Having taught English and R.E. in various Catholic schools since 1975, Michael served as Head Teacher of Our Lady’s High School, Cumbernauld for 7 years before being appointed by the Bishops of Scotland to establish SCES. As SCES Director, he is the Catholic Church’s chief officer for Education, providing strategic leadership in the formulation of policy and supporting Catholic schools, in particular liaising with local and national Government and with national and international agencies. Michael and his wife Maureen are parents of four children and grandparents of Chloe.

Julie McGinness

Julie McGinness was appointed to this post in July 2013. She is responsible for the operational activity of the SCES office and she provides significant support to the Catholic Head Teacher associations (CHAS & CHAPS), to Church Reps., school colleagues and others. Julie deals with the ordering of resources, processing of invoices, booking of courses etc.

Barbara Coupar

Barbara is the Co-ordinator of Religious Education in the Diocese of Motherwell and she has acted as Adviser in Religious Education for SCES since January 2009. She was formerly the Principal Teacher of Religious Education in Notre Dame High School, Greenock. Barbara has the lead role in the development of advice and support for the teaching of religious education in Catholic schools and works closely with Diocesan Religious Education Advisers, as well as colleagues in Education Scotland and the Scottish Qualifications Authority.