The role of local governance in a school trust

What local committee members need to know and do

Trusts have many different approaches to the local tier of governance, some are more traditional, others are innovative and new – however all agree that local governance needs to be effective and meaningful and that hearing the local voice is essential.  

Local committees universally serve as ambassadors to and champions of the local community, holding primary responsibility for meaningful stakeholder engagement, acting as ‘eyes on the ground’ for the board around key areas such as safeguarding and SEND and, increasingly, playing a central role in developing strong and trusting civic and community partnerships.

This course is designed to complement a trust’s own induction process and covers the following:

  • Why do we exist? The role of the local committee in the trust governance community
  • What do we do? ‘On the ground’ and contextual areas where local committees can add value and triangulate for the board
  • How do we behave? Balancing support with challenge, fulfilling champion roles, and developing effective relationships with headteachers and stakeholders
  • How do we succeed? The infinite possibilities of civic work and developing trusting and collaborative relationships with parents and the community

Who is it for?

This course is for people in the following roles in trusts of all sizes:

  • Governance professionals
  • Those who sit at the local tier of governance
  • Trustees who wish to increase their understanding of all aspect of governance
What you will gain

We find that most people who join a local committee do so because they wish to support their local school and make a positive difference to children’s lives. This seminar will increase your understanding of your role and provide you with helpful guidance on how you can deliver your responsibilities.

This course will give you:
  • An understanding of why school trust governance is structured as it is and where you fit into that structure
  • Insight into the different approaches that other trusts are taking, and what you might learn from them
  • Ideas on how you can make a difference from the outset

Meet your seminar leader

Jackie Eason MBE, Governance Consultant

Dates, fees and booking


This is an online seminar and there are three course dates available:
  • 12 November 2025, 15:00-17:00
  • 26 February 2026, 15:00-17:00
  • 11 June 2026, 15:00-17:00

Fees

CST members £95+VAT / Non-members £125+VAT

Book now - November 2025  Book now - February 2026 Book now - June 2026

Save with our committee pass

A committee pass gives you up to 10 places on this course at a discounted rate. This gives you the option of providing places for a whole committee or a cohort of new local committee members from across your trust as part of their induction process.

CST members £380+VAT / Non-members £500+VAT

Book now - November 2025 Book now - February 2026 Book now - June 2026

Bespoke training

This course can also be commissioned as a piece of bespoke training for all your local committee members at a time that suits your trust's needs. The content can also be adapted to speak directly to your scheme of delegation. Please drop us a line at governance@cstuk.org.uk to discuss how this might work for you.

View our Terms and Conditions.

Company no: 05303883
Charity no: 1107640

Contact details

Confederation of School Trusts (CST)
Suite 1, Whiteley Mill
39 Nottingham Road
Stapleford
Nottingham    NG9 8AD

0115 9170142

admin@cstuk.org.uk

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