Skip to content
Back
Staff

Setting executive pay

Key considerations for trustees setting pay for the CEO and other leaders in an academy trust.

Guidance
15/07/2026
people in meeting looking across each other at table

Setting the framework for the pay of the CEO and other executive leaders in an academy trust is a key responsibility of the trust board.

While trusts need to reward leaders properly, trustees must remain conscious that salaries are paid from public money. Trustees must ensure that the pay and leadership structure is in keeping with the Nolan principles, is affordable and sustainable in the long term, and is appropriate for the level of responsibility undertaken.

This guidance covers:

  • requirements for setting pay
  • key factors to consider
  • how trust boards set pay
  • pay benchmarking suggestions
  • recruitment and retention considerations
  • pensions, bonuses and other benefits

Member-only content

Want to read this?

Become a member

NGA members get exclusive access to hundreds of practical resources including guidance, checklists and planners.

We’re here to support you at every stage of your governance journey with expert advice, training, events, and much more.

Learn more

Already a member?

Log in

Related content