Assured Stewardship: Financial Governance for MAT Trustees

about this course

What the Course Will Cover

On completion of this course participants will be able to:

Explain their duties as company directors, charity trustees and stewards of public money, including changes in the Academy Trust Handbook 2026
Set financial strategy, risk appetite and expectations for financial reporting
Challenge, approve and minute the budget and Budget Forecast Return with confidence
Read management accounts, cash flow forecasts and the balance sheet to spot what matters
Set and apply a reserves policy that protects long-term sustainability
Test the assurance provided by the finance and audit and risk committees without duplicating their work
Seek and test assurance that the trust meets Academy Trust Handbook compliance requirements, including acting on audit findings
Recognise early warning signs and act collectively, with decisions recorded to withstand scrutiny

Bespoke training and development

Work on your own trust’s papers or a realistic 12-school MAT case study
Add optional modules on procurement, integrated curriculum-led financial planning, the scheme of delegation or internal scrutiny
Combine preparation, live session and follow-up to suit your board’s experience and timetable

about this course

MAT trustees, particularly those not on the finance or audit and risk committees
Whole trust boards seeking a shared understanding of financial governance
New trustees, and experienced trustees wanting to build financial confidence
Senior leaders and governance professionals seeking a better understanding of this aspect of the trustee role

about this course

Meets the strengthened Academy Trust Handbook 2026 expectations for all trustees to contribute to financial oversight
Better strategic board discussions and decisions that build on, rather than repeat, finance committee work
Earlier action on financial and compliance risks, protecting the trust, its schools and pupils
Clear evidence of board competence for auditors and the DFE

about this course

Short, focused preparation on trustee duties, the numbers and who does what across the year
An expert-led live session exploring the key financial information boards rely on, including budgets, management accounts, the balance sheet and reserves, through practical scenarios and group decision-making
Practical follow-up that applies the learning to your next board pack, with a self-assessment against six core skills