Assured Stewardship: Financial Governance for MAT Trustees
At a glance
Every trustee shares responsibility for the trust’s finances, not just those on the finance committee. This practical, scenario-based course gives your whole board the skills and confidence to set financial direction, interrogate the numbers and act early, using your own trust’s papers or a realistic case study.
This session can be tailored to the circumstances of your school or trust.
A two-hour live session plus preparation and follow-up options, depending on each participant’s level of expertise
Live online or in person
Optional 20-minute add-on modules (eg integrated curriculum-led financial planning, procurement)
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
Tailor it to your board
- 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
Who is this suitable for?
- 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
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What are the benefits?
- Meets the strengthened 2026 expectation that every trustee can hold the executive to account on finance
- More strategic board discussions that build on, rather than repeat, committee work
- Earlier action on financial risks, protecting your schools and pupils
- Stronger minutes and clear evidence of board competence for auditors, the DfE and your skills audit
about this course
How will you learn?
- 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
Enquire now to book this for your board(s)
Book your training
If you would like to book a session or find out more then make an enquiry.
This training is designed for a group of participants at a school, trust or other organisation.
It is also suitable for a group of schools to share.
