Summary
ICSA Academy Governance Conference 2018 took place on 5 October 2018 at Hallam Conference Centre.
At this event we discussed the increasingly important role of academy trusts in the education system and some of the key governance challenges faced by trust boards. As trusts grow in size and the stakes get higher, it is vital that the systems of oversight and decision-making within these organisations are fit for purpose.
Our delegates gained expert insights on effective leadership of multi-academy trusts (MATs), managing relationship between boards and local governing bodies, recruitment strategies for trustee boards and more. Our speakers also shared a practical resources and examples of best practice.
Programme
| Time | Programme |
|---|---|
| 09.30 | Registration, tea/coffee |
| 09.55 |
Chair’s opening remarks Katie Paxton-Doggett, Author and Independent Consultant |
| 10.00 |
Opening Keynote Leora Cruddas, CEO, FASNA |
| 10.30 |
Building Trusts: MAT leadership and coherence of vision, strategy and operations Effective leadership, teaching and governance are vital if schools wish to deliver continuous improvement at scale. Over 40 CEOs and the staff from 22 MATs were recently surveyed in the largest study of MAT Leadership to date. In this session we reveal how high-performing MATs operate and the choices their leaders make. Katy Theobald, Associate Director Research and Evaluation, Ambition School Leadership |
| 11.00 | Networking tea and coffee break |
| 11.30 |
MAT Governance case study Here we will look at the challenges faced by a particular organisation and what action they have taken from a governance perspective to overcome them. Our speakers will offer insight into issues surrounding the creation and implementation of an effective delegated authority framework across the academies in their group. Liz Dawson, Head of Governance, Ark Anna Machin, Governance & Compliance Manager, Ark |
| 12.00 |
Maintaining the relationship between boards and local governing bodies Well-functioning LGBs are key to ensuring that strategy is delivered where it is most needed. Maintaining this working relationship and as well as balance of power between the board and LGB can be tricky. In this session we reaffirm the role of the LGB, review effective terms of delegation and how to overcome common problems. Sam Henson, Head of Information, National Governance Association |
| 12.40 |
Learning from the corporate sector: Is your board getting the right information? Time and again, research has shown that the quality of board decisions is directly related to the quality of information boards receive. Too much, and the important stuff can be overlooked; too little, and decisions are made from a position of ignorance. We look at ICSA’s work with Board Intelligence on the issue and ask, what should be going into your board packs? Esther Odida, Associate Director, Board Intelligence |
| 13.10 |
Networking lunch |
| 14.00 |
Effective financial oversight for boards Recent communications from the government and the DfE indicate that they will be putting more pressure on academies to demonstrate robust financial probity and oversight. Academies will have to show that all public funds they receive are being spent furthering pupil education. In this session, we get a back to basics look at the fundamental principles that underpin financial assurance and oversight. Hannah Catchpool, Partner, Head of Academies, RSM |
| 14.40 |
Recruitment strategies for an effective trustee board It is generally accepted that diverse boards make better decisions and therefore should be better equipped to overcome challenges. However, many trustees continue to be recruited informally (I.e. through a network of friends and contacts) and as a result, there are significant issues for boards in the education/charity sector particularly around age and ethnic diversity. So, what can be done to improve the situation? Kirsty Watt, Academy Ambassadors |
| 15.10 |
Closing Keynote In this closing session, we will reflect on the day and survey the emergent realities of multi-school leadership and multi-school governance 'on the ground' (and from the ground up). We will also explore the challenges and opportunities that appear to be emerging, especially for school-based Heads, Heads of School and school boards, in terms of of formal accountability and lines of reporting, and with regards to a plethora of other issues, including community connectedness,local autonomy and governor engagement and retention. Tony Breslin, Director, Breslin Public Policy Limited |
| 15.40 |
Final remarks and close of conference |
*This is a draft programme and may be subject to change
Supporting Partners
