Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust - Governance Structure
Vision Statement
Our vision is to provide the highest possible quality of education for all local children, in order to ensure pupils from all backgrounds are able to succeed.
Members
The Members are akin to the shareholders of a company and are often referred to as the 'gatekeepers'. However, unlike shareholders of a company, Members cannot take money or assets from the company. The Members have ultimate control over the Trust, with the ability to appoint some of the Trustees and the right to amend the Trust's Articles of Association (a document that sets out the powers of the Trust itself and those of the Members and Trustees).
Trustees
The Trustees are responsible for the general control of the Trust in accordance with the provisions set out in the Articles of Association and the Scheme of Delegation. The Board of Trustees is the accountable body for the performance of all Academies within the Trust and, as such, must:
1. Ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
2. Hold the CEO to account for the educational performance of the Academies and their pupils, and the performance management of staff; and
3. Oversee the financial performance of the Trust, ensuring financial probity and value for money.
1. Ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
2. Hold the CEO to account for the educational performance of the Academies and their pupils, and the performance management of staff; and
3. Oversee the financial performance of the Trust, ensuring financial probity and value for money.
Ethos Committee
The Ethos Committee ensure that the values set out in the Vision Statement above are embedded in all the actions and activities of the Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust and to hold the executive accountable for the inclusion of these values. The Committee's membership will include 3 Trustees (1 church appointed trustee, the co-operative link trustee and one other), the CEO and the Vice CEO.
School Improvement Committee
This Committee works with the Executive team to set the overall vision and mission for the MAT and holds the Executives to account on school improvement. The committee which is made up of three trust board members, the CEO and VCEO meets at least three times a year
Resources Committee
The Resources Committee ensures that the financial, human, IT and estates resources of the MAT are being effectively managed. The committee also provides guidance to the Board of Trustees and CEO on all matters relating to trust resources. The Committee will be responsible for ensuring: the MAT complies with Health and Safety in line with current legislation and policies; the Risk and Issues Register is utilised to ensure transparency; and any issues or risks are being managed. The committee is made up of three trust board members and the CEO. The committee will meet at least three times a year.
Audit Committee
The Audit committee will monitor the integrity of the MAT’s financial statements, financial performance, internal financial controls, internal control and risk management. Along with reviewing the effectiveness of the internal audit function. The committee will monitor and report back to the Trust Board on how the Trust has fulfilled all of its legal responsibilities. The committee is made up of three trust board members. The Accounting Officer and other relevant senior staff will attend the Committee to provide information and participate in discussions. The committee will meet at least three times a year.
Executive Team
The Executive Team comprises the CEO, Vice CEO, Safeguarding Lead, Executive Headteachers, Headteachers, Lead Church Headteacher, CFO, Director of Teaching School, SEN Lead and Data Lead and any other person invited at the discretion of the CEO. The Executive Team meet on a fortnightly basis (or more often as required). The Executive Team will work collectively to deliver school improvement priorities across the MAT by sharing expertise and transforming practice.
Local Governing Bodies
The Local Governing Bodies (LGBs) are Committees of the Board of Trustees and have delegated decision-making powers in accordance with the Scheme of Delegation and their Ofsted grading. The LGBs shall each hold at least three meetings in every school year and may establish expert sub committees as they see fit to ensure a full and detailed understanding of each school.
