Governance
Our model of Governance provides an effective and robust structure that empowers schools to work ethically and effectively to achieve our shared mission for children.
We draw on the expertise, experience and skills of Members, Trustees and Local Governing Booards to oversee the strategic direction of our schools and Trust. Governance, at all levels, focuses on holding leaders to account and engaging effectively with pupils, parents, colleagues, and our wider community. The relationship between our schools and Governance is set out in our Scheme of Delegation and in our Guidance for Governance.
Trust Members
Our Trust has 4 appointed Members who have a wholly strategic view of our Mulit Academy Trust (MAT), setting out the vision and values and ensuring they are adhered to. Trust Members provide challenge to, and scrutiny of, our Trustees in relation to the Governance and operation of our Trust; with a focus on core purpose, charitable objectives, ethos and value.
Members meet three times a year plus attending the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM is where the Members are able to question the Trustees and be assured that the Trust is continuing to work with our shared values to deliver on our mission for children.
Trustees
Our Trust Board comprises of a skills-based group of 11 Trustees, selected for their expertise in School Standards, Finance, Buildings/Services, Legal and Human Resources. Our Trustees meet five times a year, and attend the AGM and our annual Governance Conference. Trustees ensure that schools in ourTrust deliver on the mission and provide support and challenge to the Central Trust team, as well as holding individual schools to account when required. They have a key oversight role as well as being involved in the management and delivery of MAT services.
Trust Committees
There are four sub-committees of the Trust Board:
Audit and Risk Committee
The Audit and Risk Committee provides assurance over the suitability of, and compliance with, the Trust's financial systems and controls. It meets to consider the financial security of the Trust and its approach to risk management in all aspects of its activities. The Audit and Risk Committee meets at least three times a year and report back to the Members and the Trustees. The committee has a key function in ensuring the legitimate and effective use of public money and holding to the values of probity and transparency and the guidance in the Academy Trust Handbook.
Finance and Resources Committee
This committee looks at all matters in relation to the effective and efficient use of physical, financial and human resources across the Trust. This will include scrutinising financial monitoring, planning and budget setting, capital planning and human resources strategies. The committee will be key to the Trust’s work in identifying and utilising resources in order to fulfil the Trust’s mission and goals.
Quality of Education Committee
This committee focuses on standards, outcomes and provision within all of the Trust schools. The committee receives a report from the CEO and Directors of Education for Primary and Secondary and is tasked with providing both support and challenge to the Trust in its central role of delivering on its mission to nurture ambition, delivering excellence and enriching children’s lives. The Committee’s focus is on schools “at risk” and/or within an Ofsted category and whether the trust resources have been used effectively to support rapid improvement.
Pay and Performance Review Committee
The Trustees’ Pay and Performance Review committee meets at least annually, with the main focus of reviewing the performance of Executive roles in our Trust. This ensures transparency and probity and an important governance responsibility on behalf of the main Trustee Board. Executive roles are the senior leadership team for the Trust e.g. CEO, CFO etc and also Headteachers/Principals in our schools. This ensures that summary reviews are scrutinised and that any pay recommendations are robustly and independently reviewed. The whole provision of performance review and pay and reward in our Trust is considered by this group, with information provided by the Director of HR, Trustees are consulted and have an opportunity to contribute and challenge pay and reward arrangements. Trustees consider whether Performance Review is relevant to the development needs of leaders, is appropriately benchmarked and is in accordance with the Academy Trust Handbook regulations.
Executive Group
Reporting to the Trustees, the Executive Group (EG) comprises of Headteachers from each of our schools, CEO and CFO. The EG meets monthly and plays a vital role in the day-to-day running and organisation of the Trust. The EG advises and informs Trustees, though does not form part of the formal governance structure.
Education Board
The Education Board (EB) is an advisory body formed by the Chairs of the Local Governing Boards of each of our schools, together with Members and Trustees. The EB meets termly and provides guidance to the Trustees, though does not form part of the formal governance structure.
Local Governing Boards
Local Governing Boards (LGBs) operate as the “eyes and ears” of Trustees to ensure each school is led and managed effectively in accordance with the powers as set out in the Trust’s Scheme of Delegation. At school level, LGBs examine Quality of Education, Personal Development, Behaviour and Attitudes, Leadership and Management, with a focus on Curriculum, Culture, Children and the Community.
Trust Chief Executive Officer
Our Trust has a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who works for the Trust and also serves as the Accounting Officer. It is the CEO's job to ensure that our MAT operates in the way that the Trustees have envisaged and within the relevant DfE and ESFA regulations and guidance.
An Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held alongside the final Trust Board meeting in the summer term each year, at which members will be present and be able to ask the Trust Board questions regarding their performance over the year.
Our CEO is supported by a Trust Senior Leadership Team who work together and with schools to deliver on our goals.
