DfE Guidance: Trust Governance

This page lists guidance issued from the Department of Education on Trust governance.

Academy Trust Governance – structures and role descriptors

DfE has published new guidance, Academy Trust Governance – structures and role descriptors (October 2020). A separate document on maintained schools has also been published. We are pleased that DfE has acknowledged that the proposition of governing a trust is fundamentally different from the proposition of governing a maintained school. The guidance provides very helpful clarity on the structures and multiple roles within trust governance.

Governance handbook, update and letter to trust leaders

Governance handbook (October 2020) – substantial changes made but still no separation of the handbook to ensure clarity on the differences between Trust governance and that in local authority-maintained schools.

School governance update (8 October 2020)– including clarification on board meetings at the current time: "Boards should continue to take a pragmatic approach to meetings... chair should keep the conversation open with board members on how they wish to meet and make arrangements, as necessary.”

Letter to Members (8 October 2020)– Baroness Berridge has written to Members outlining the new Trust Governance Structures and Role Descriptors document (see above).

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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