Effective and Accountable Governance in Multi-Academy … · Acceptance of corporate vision essential. Freedom and Autonomy for Schools –National Association ... Cost £13 per copy

Freedom and Autonomy for Schools – National Associationwww.fasna.org.uk

Joan Binder

Vice Chair, FASNA

Jane Aukett

Vice Chair, Tollbar Academy

and FASNA Board member

Effective and Accountable Governance in Multi-Academy Trusts

http://www.fasna.org.uk/


Strategic governance overview

The principles of effective governance in a MAT – joining up the leadership

The role and responsibilities of effective chairs and clerking at all levels in the structure

Developing governance structures as the MAT expands

FASNA member case study evidencing success



Principles of governance accountability in a MAT

Members, Trustees, Committee members all understand their roles

Clarity of accountability paramount – who is responsible to whom for what?

Clear Scheme of Delegation

Skills-based appointments at all layers

Clear link between all layers

Effective governance – a shared responsibility



Multi Academy Structure

Multi Academy Trust (MAT)MAT consists of:

MembersBoard of Trustees

Together agree vision for the MATBoard delegates responsibilities to committees

DfE

Academy 1

Academy 2 etc

Master Funding Agreement

All Academies

Academy 1 Governance Committee

Academy 2 Governance Committee

Supplemental Funding

Agreements

Other Committeese.g. Finance, HR



Principle 1 – Understand the role in effective governance

Members

Overarching Accountability

Appoint Trustees

Board of Trustees

Legal Entity and Accountability

Determine Scheme of Delegation

Appoint committee members

Committees – Finance, HR, Academy Governance Committee

Comply with Scheme of Delegation

No legal recognition



Principle 2 – Who is responsible to whom for what?

Academy Governance Committee – the layer where the core

governance function of ‘Holding the Headteacher to Account’ is going to be undertaken most effectively

Reporting to the Board

Board of Trustees – ensures all governance functions undertaken through

Committees or other Structure

Members

No regular involvement in undertaking governance functions



Principle 3 – Clear Scheme of Delegation

Board of Trustees determine the scheme Identify areas of decision making responsibility Different schemes for different schools Basis of ‘earned autonomy’ How the chair of the committee is determined Reporting structure to the Board Top down and bottom up accountability Meeting cycle and clerking arrangements



Principle 4 – Skills based appointments

Important when setting up a MAT or expanding Qualifications a guide Range of experiences and responsibilities needed Identify qualities needed at each layer Advertise and interview Use to evaluate contribution of Trustees and

academy governance committee members Can identify important contribution at academy

level



Principle 5 – Clear link between layers

Consider: One Member a Trustee One Trustee sits on academy governance

committee Trustees appoint chairs of all committees Role of academy governance committee chair in

communication Relationship between CEO, headteachers, Trustees,

academy governance committee



Principle 6 – Shared governance

or Joining up the leadership

Governance must be a shared responsibility

Linking the executive and non-executive leaders

CEO may be a Trustee

Finance Director

Who undertakes role of chair at any level crucial in shared governance

Acceptance of corporate vision essential



Principle 6 - Joining up the leadership and governance

Board of Trustees

Chief Executive Officer

Executive Principal

Governance Committee

HT HTHT

Finance Director

HR Manager Estates Manager

HTs of individual academies

Governance committees



Identifies the principles of effective and accountable governance in a MAT

A stand-alone publication- integrates well with FASNA’s publication

‘Effective Governance’

Free to FASNA members



Role of clerk – Strategic overview

Clerking is not just minute taking. Consider:

Relationship with Chair, CEO, Academy Principals Provision of advice and ensure compliance with

regulations, procedures, Company and Charity Law Line management of all clerks to ensure consistency Co-ordination of agenda, documentation, meeting

cycles CPD – education landscape and new initiatives Understanding of how to evidence effective governance Link to Company Secretary role



Role and responsibilities of the Chair

Strategic thinker and planner

Providing effective leadership

Able to focus meetings and manage debates

Open and honest relationship with executive leaders – performance management

Good communicator

Ensures compliance – governance, financial handbook, statutory duties and policies, funding agreement etc

Ensures self-review, Board review, succession planning


Governance in an Expanding

MAT

Governance in an Expanding MAT

Jane AukettVice Chair, Tollbar Family of Academies

South Humber Hub

The Three Layers of Governance• Members – 3

• Consider these the shareholders.

• Board of Trustees – 11

• Strategic body sets vision, ethos and policies.

• Academy Governance Committees

• Focus on key educational activities of the Academy.

Ensuring Roles and Responsibilities are Understood

• Scheme of delegation is the document that leads on this.

• Induction and training.

• Chairs are appointed by Board.

• Standardised reporting format.

• MAT wide policies. Key areas managed centrally.

• The Board remains the accountable body.

How to Manage Growth - Executive

CEO

DCEO

Primary Executive Head

Secondary Executive Head

Chief Finance Officer

Finance Officer

Information Communications

Officer

Deputy Information Communications

Officer

HR Officer

Deputy HR Officer

How to Manage Growth - Governance• Skills audit across all levels

• Advertise

• Approach local Chamber of Commerce

• Request short c.v.

• Interview

Linking Layers and the Executive• Currently all members are Trustees.

• There is at least one Trustee (the Chair) sitting on each academy governance committee.

• Enabled some governance committees to nominate a member (governor) to sit on the Trust.

• CEO is a Trustee.

• Key personnel from the Executive Team attend meetings.


Come and see us today at the FASNA stand no. A57



Seminars led by FASNA today

13:45 – 14:30 (Theatre 2)School leadership needs to be re-defined – leadership needs to be joined-up



Now includes new update on the Principles of Accountable and Effective Governance

in a Multi Academy Trust

FREE to FASNA membersTo order copies, please email [email protected], or call 0115 917 0142

Cost £10 per copy (plus P&P for under 5 copies)Available to buy at Stand A57

Reviews received:Outstanding!‘If you buy one book to help improve your governing body, make it this one’

Top guide for school improvement‘An excellent help to Governors on how to ensure the all the children in their school get the best possible education’


mailto:[email protected]


"I welcome this new publication as a practitioners’ guide with a wealth of up to date examples from successful schools around the country” Peter Lauener, Chief Executive of the Education Funding Agency (EFA)

"This publication is a must-read for aspiring and practising School Business Managers, Headteachers and governors!” Stephen Morales, Executive Director, National Association of School Business Management

FREE to FASNA membersTo order copies, please email [email protected], or call 0115 917 0142

Cost £13 per copy (plus P&P for under 5 copies)Available to buy at Stand A57


mailto:[email protected]


Access to seminars and workshops focusing on:

Converting to academy status, starting, growing or joining a MAT – a complete package of on-going support

Professional development for Governors

Dealing with rising cost pressures – a curriculum-led model

Role of Clerk to Governors

Bespoke governance reviews

Admissions and admission appeals

All of our seminars can be offered as bespoke sessions for your school





Email: [email protected]

Office: 0115 917 0142

Website: www.fasna.org.uk


Documents

Effective and Accountable Governance in Multi-Academy … · Acceptance of corporate vision essential. Freedom and Autonomy for Schools –National Association ... Cost £13 per copy