The Diocesan Schools Commission was formed by Bishop Patrick Dougherty in May 2007 with a mandate to:-

• approve items of Diocesan Catholic Education policy proposed by the Catholic Education Office;
  
  
• be accessible as support and guide to the Catholic Education Officers; and
  
  
• be a source of advice and assistance wherever needed, to enquiries regarding Diocesan Catholic School Education matters which are beyond the role of leaders local and Diocesan.

The group was set up as precursor to a more formal Governance structure intended for the future.