Effective layers of governance

Why your scheme of delegation matters, how to put it into practice, and when to undertake a review

This course will develop your understanding of each governance layer and demonstrate why an effective scheme of delegation sits at the heart of your trust’s governance. It will offer insight into different models for local school governance within trusts and advice on how to establish meaningful communications between each layer.

You will leave with a clear understanding of what effective separation of the roles of different layers looks like, and what strong alignment and connection between those layers can achieve. You will also get practical ideas and approaches for reviewing and refreshing the structure of your trusts’ governance.

Who is it for?

Chairs and trustees
Governance professionals
Executive leaders

What you will gain

This course will give you:

An overview of the key roles and accountabilities for each layer of trust governance
An understanding of the importance of your scheme of delegation and how to make it meaningful
Insight into different models for local school governance within trusts
Guidance on how to establish effective communication between your layers of governance
A framework for the review of your scheme of delegation and ideas for how you might approach the redrawing of governance responsibilities in your trust

Meet your seminar leader

Dr Lizzie Oliver, Director of Policy and Programmes, Trust Governance Professionals

What previous participants have said

"Knowledgeable and experienced presenters helped make complex issues relatable and laid out practical steps to take around improvement.”

"Excellent - very thorough and informative.”

"An informative, well-structured masterclass that has supported and strengthened my understanding of key areas of school trust governance. I would highly recommend.”

Course overview

Seminar content

Seminar one: Getting to grips with school trust governance

An overview of the governance structures of school trusts
Different governance stakeholders and how they work together
Working effectively and cohesively with the other governance layers

Seminar two: Schemes of delegation

How and why your scheme of delegation (SOD) supports effective governance
Making sure the SOD sits at the heart of your trust’s governance
Developing an effective SOD
A framework for review and approaches to redraw responsibilities
Communication and reporting across the governance layers

Seminar three: Board committees and local governance

The role of committees in your governance structure
Approaches to reviewing schemes of delegation in the context of committees and the local layer of governance
Different models of local governance including a broad overview of alternative structures
A trust case study sharing their experience of developing and implementing a local governance model