Case Study: External Review of Governance and Progress Review for Fortis Trust
An external review of governance (ERG) helped Fortis Trust refine its structures and build the oversight needed to evolve confidently from a single academy trust into a developing MAT.
Context
In July 2024, Fortis Trust commissioned an External Review of Governance (ERG) from NGA Consultancy to support the next stage of its development.
Having successfully operated as a single academy trust (SAT) for Bradfield’s Academy in Chatham, Kent for over 10 years, Fortis Trust was entering a period of planned and ambitious growth.
This included securing a bid to open a new free special school in Whitstable and undertaking due diligence on a local mainstream primary school. The Trust had also set up a Specialist Post-16 Institution (SPI) called Forward2Employment in 2018 and retains strategic oversight.
The trust recognised that this transition to becoming a multi academy trust (MAT) was an ideal opportunity to reflect on and strengthen its governance arrangements, ensuring they were well-suited to the increased scale, complexity and responsibilities that growth would bring.
The trust also wanted to explore the best practice approached to supporting Forward2Employment’s governance arrangements.
While the trust had a solid governance foundation, leaders were keen to further develop trustee engagement, strengthen oversight and embed robust risk management considering the new financial and operational risks associated with expansion.
Impact
The ERG took place between July 2024 and February 2025 and was led by NGA’s Head of Consultancy, Rosemary Lovatt.
The review involved a comprehensive process, including document scrutiny, meeting observations and interviews with key stakeholders. Additionally, Rosemary provided tailored training for the local governing committee focused on effective monitoring of standards at the local level.
Thanks to the strong commitment of the CEO, governance professional and board members, many improvements were implemented at pace. Several recommendations were already in place, or well underway, by the time the final report was completed.
Key benefits
Establishing a clear strategic MAT framework
The review supported Fortis Trust in articulating a coherent MAT identity with a clear strategic focus. This shared vision was communicated to trustees and members, helping the trust begin to operate confidently as a developing MAT.
The ERG also highlighted the importance of a cultural shift towards strategic leadership and collective accountability, ensuring the board was well prepared for the demands of leading a fully functioning MAT.
Clear and practical recommendations supported greater alignment around strategy, including reviewing the trust’s values to ensure they reflected its strategic direction and agreeing an accountability framework to track and evaluate progress.
Improving board structure and efficiency
The ERG directly informed the development of stronger, more proportionate governance structures to support the trust’s growth.
Fortis Trust had already established a new local governing board for Bradfields Academy, bringing together a strong group of experienced governors.
Rosemary worked closely with both the trust board and local board to review the scheme of delegation and provide guidance on the appropriate level of information sharing ensuring effective oversight while avoiding duplication.
She also delivered training to the local board to support their understanding of effective monitoring of SEND, Safeguarding, Standards and Stakeholders (the 4 S’s) at academy level.
The review also identified opportunities to further strengthen risk management. In response, the trust’s recently established Audit and Risk Committee, strengthened its process for risk management enabling emerging risks, such as those associated with the free school build, to be managed in a focused and systematic way.
Board practices were enhanced, particularly through improvements to meeting structures, which were redesigned to give greater priority to strategic discussion and informed decision-making.
Stronger accountability and compliance
A significant outcome of the ERG was the development of a clear and proportionate accountability framework. The review recommended a small set of key performance indicators, supported by a dashboard, enabling trustees to track progress and performance more effectively.
Improvements were also recommended to assurance processes for statutory and regulatory requirements. The ERG advised the board to formalise and complete termly assurance activities across key compliance areas, with clear expectations embedded within the scheme of delegation and board reporting.
Building a foundation for continuous improvement
NGA’s comprehensive ERG approach is designed to support long-term governance development. Findings and recommendations are structured around NGA’s ERG framework, providing a strong foundation for an ongoing governance development plan.
As a result of the review, Fortis Trust was equipped with clear next steps and practical tools to support its journey.
The trust has been able to move confidently from governing a single academy to leading a growing MAT, underpinned by a clear governance structure, shared vision and a strong commitment to continuous improvement.