Governance

Members: determine the ethos and purpose of the Trust (i.e. the provision of education) and the way it will be governed (which will be set out in the Articles of Association) and will have a right (not an obligation) to participate in governance by appointing and removing Trustees. They also have a right to receive the Trustees’ annual report and accounts and to attend general meetings of the Trust.

Board of Trustees: the accountable body for the performance of all Academies within the Trust and, as such, must ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction; hold the CEO to account for the educational performance of the Academies and their pupils, and the performance management of staff; and oversee the financial performance of the Trust, ensuring financial probity and value for money.

The Local Governing Bodies (LGBs): Committees of the Board of Trustees and have delegated decision-making powers in accordance with this SoD and their Ofsted grading (see Table of Responsibilities). The LGBs shall each hold at least three meetings in every school year.

There are eight elements to effective governance:

1. The right people around the table;
2. Understanding the role and responsibilities;
3. Good chairing;
4. Professional clerking;
5. Good relationships based on trust;
6. Knowing the school – its data, staff, parents, children and community;
7. Commitment to asking challenging questions; and
8. Confidence to have courageous conversations in the interests of the pupils