Governance

The governance structure at Accord Multi Academy Trust has three reporting lines to hold the CEO and Principals / Headteachers to account and to ensure that the Trust operates as a charity and a limited company should do.

Members

The Members of the Trust are responsible for the constitution of the Trust and are made up of local people who have influence and strong links within our local communities.

Members appoint Members and Trustees in line with the Articles of Association which sets out details for our internal management, decision making and running of the Trust. The Members meet once a year at an annual general meeting. The Annual Accounts and Report are presented to Members at this meeting.

Trustees

The Trust Board provides:

• Strategic leadership of the Academy Trust – the Board defines the Trust vision for high quality and inclusive education in line with its charitable objects. It establishes and fosters the Trust’s culture and sets and champions the Trust strategy including determining what governance functions are delegated to the local tier.
• Accountability and assurance – the Board has robust effective oversight of the operations and performance of the Trust, including the provision of education, pupil welfare, overseeing and ensuring appropriate use of funding and effective financial performance and keeping their estate safe and well-maintained.
• Engagement – the Board has strategic oversight of relationships with stakeholders. The Board involves parents, schools and communities so that decision-making is supported by meaningful engagement.

Trustees meet as a Board of Trustees six times per year. Trustees operate the following sub committees: Standards & Performance, Finance & Resources, Audit & Risk, Pay & Remuneration.

Our Trustee Handbook details the functions undertaken by the Board of Trustees and those which have been delegated to its Committees, the Central Trust Leadership Team, Academy Education Committees and Senior Leadership Teams.

Governors

Academy Education Committees (AECs) serve as a key link between the academies, parents/carers and the local community. Governors monitor the performance of the academy, advise Trustees of any concerns and hold Principals / Headteachers to account. AECs meet five times per year. In addition Chairs of each AEC meet with the Chair of Trustees during the year in order to provide consistency in areas of focus.

Full information on our Governors can be found on the websites of our academies.

All Members, Trustees and Governors complete an annual declaration of business interests and declare any pecuniary interests within meetings.

Key Documentation