The Diocese of Worcester Multi Academy Trust (DoWMAT) Board is, ultimately, the Trust’s accountable body.

The LAB members are accountable to the DoWMAT Board for the quality of support they provide the school,  specifically regarding their key functions in line with our Scheme of Delegation and best practice from the National Governance Association (Local governance here and now), namely:

Standards

• Monitoring school performance and improvement – regular review of performance data, including exam results, attendance rates, and pupil progress, to ensure that the school is meeting its targets.
• Working with senior leaders to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to address them in line with the trust’s strategic objectives.

Stakeholder engagement

• Ensuring the needs and concerns of all stakeholders (e.g. staff, pupils, parents, local community, church/diocese) are accounted for in the decision-making process and acting as a mouthpiece for their interests and voices at trust level.
• Achieved through effective communication channels, consulting key stakeholders, and working in partnership with the local community.

Safeguarding

• Implementing the trust’s safeguarding policy and fostering a culture that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of all pupils and staff in their respective schools.
• Working closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to ensure the necessary procedures are in place, which can be supported through the appointment of a link governor.
• Monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the school’s safeguarding arrangements.

SEND

• Ensuring adequate resources are provided to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) that support their educational progress.
• Seeking assurances that staff are trained to implement strategies and support plans.
• Working in partnership with other stakeholders, such as parents, external agencies, and the wider MAT community, to ensure that pupils with SEND are well-supported and  included in all aspects of school life.
• Like safeguarding, this is usually primarily carried out by a specific link governor.

Spirituality

• Ensuring Christian vision and values underpin all aspects of academy life. In this way, we can be assured that our pupils grow and learn in schools where their individual qualities are nurtured to instil fulfilment, self-worth, the skills to contribute to society and confidence in the future.

This support from our Local Academy Boards makes all the difference to our academy leaders and greatly contributes to ensuring that all DoWMAT pupils attend a successful academy which is providing a good education whilst supporting their holistic well-being.

It is our aim to develop strong, accountable Local Academy Boards made up of highly skilled, well-informed, well-trained, competent members who ensure statutory duties are met, set a standard of excellence and are focussed on improving teaching and learning. As such, our support for governance includes:

• Support and advice for Local Academy Boards (LABs)
• Training and continued support of the LAB
• CPD/training opportunities for LAB members
• GovernorHub membership
• Processing LGB appointments
• Regular Chair of LAB meetings with CEO
• Provision of the Scheme of Delegated Authority
• Recruiting developing and training for effective governance
• Telephone support and advice
• Maintenance of governor database
• Support with skills audits
• Attendance at LGB meetings as required, and at least once a year

Resources