Governance

The Trust’s Members have the responsibility/powers to:

oversee the achievement of the Trust’s objectives;
appoint other Members and some Directors/Trustees and to remove Members or Directors/Trustees should it become necessary to do so; and
make amendments to the Trust’s Articles of Association that determine the constitution and governance arrangements of the Trust.

b) Board of Directors/Trustees
It is the role of the Board of Directors/Trustees to:

determine the vision and values, strategic plan, annual objectives and targets for the Trust, and to monitor achievement against these;
ensure that the business and finance of the Trust are well led and managed
ensure probity and fulfilment of statutory and regulatory responsibilities;
appoint members of the Local Advisory Boards;
determine the arrangements for setting of key policies; and
appoint the CEO and the Headteacher of each School and set arrangements for their performance management.

c) Local Governing Committee
It is the role of the Local Governing Committee of each School to:

carry forward the Trust’s vision in a way that is appropriate to the specific qualities and community characteristics of the School;
ensure that standards of achievement are high;
monitor and evaluate the work of the School systematically in relation to student performance, student behaviour, self-evaluation and improvement, budget and financial performance and community cohesion; and
act in an advisory capacity to the School and Headteacher

d) Finance & Resources Committee (including Audit)
The role of the Finance and Resources Committee, which comprises 5 Directors/Trustees including the Executive Headteacher, is as follows:

Finance: Oversight of, and advice and support to the Board on matters relating to financial management, strategy and policies [including setting of annual budgets and detailed oversight of in-year financial performance]; the safeguarding and use of assets/resources; ensuring that the Trust operates within the law and regulatory environment in relation to its finances and its role as an employer; and compliance with legislation relating to Health & Safety.

Audit: Oversight of, and advice to the Board on: the adequacy and effectiveness of systems of risk management and internal control; the Trust’s audit strategy and annual plan and the appointment, dismissal and remuneration of internal and financial statements auditors; monitoring of actions to address audit findings; and ensuring that all allegations of fraud and irregularity are appropriately investigated and that control weaknesses addressed.

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