Twenty-one questions for MAT board self-review

Questions to support MAT board self-review

Reviewing board effectiveness is good practice and self-review is one of the main methods that governing boards use to monitor and improve their governance.

Download twenty-one questions for MAT boards (PDF)

We recommend that those governing in a maintained school use our twenty questions for governing boards.

Ensuring your MAT governance structure is fit for purpose

MATs tend to have multiple layers of governance where respective roles must be well defined. Different MATs can and will have different structures but in all cases, the structure should support better outcomes for pupils. These questions can be used by MAT boards to help ensure that their governance structure is fit for purpose.

Twenty-one questions for MAT boards was developed by NGA and the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Education Governance to support governing board self-review.

Further reading

• Skills audit and matrix – identify the knowledge, skills and behaviour your board needs to develop
• Governor and trustee role descriptions – adapt our model role descriptions as needed
• Model code of conduct – set out the behaviour and professional standards required

You can also browse our dedicated page for multi academy trusts to find the latest NGA guidance, advice, professional development and e-learning, developed exclusively for trusts. 

Are you an NGA member?

Our Knowledge Centre contains 100s of resources available exclusively for members. If you’re a governor, trustee, clerk or governance professional, you can subscribe as an individual or as a board to use our guidance, templates and model policies. Other member benefits include networking events, newsletters, and our Governing Matters magazine. Find out more and sign up here.