Development for chairs of Multi Academy Trusts, Autumn 2024 cohort
About this programme
Receive notifications when new course dates are scheduled by registering your interest.
- Current or future chairs of a multi academy trust board
This programme would suit those new to chairing or anticipating becoming chair shortly.
This programme will equip you to build effective governance in your trust by:
- clarifying the expectations of chairing a MAT board
- focussing on meeting the challenges typically faced by MAT chairs
- developing your knowledge, leadership skills and networks with peers
- enhancing your awareness of your strengths and areas for development
- facilitating the development of an action plan for your board
- creating self-supporting groups to ensure learning continues beyond the programme
- offering a system to problem-solve through action learning sets, scenarios, case studies and other activities
Comprehensive workshop materials and templates, copies of NGA publications The Chairs' Handbook and Governing a Multi Academy Trust and 12 months' free subscription to the Learning Link e-learning service.
- The programme offers a blend of flexible learning delivered at a sensible pace during term time for busy MAT chairs
- It comprises six small group 2-hour group interactive practice focused workshops led by an experienced NGA consultant with a track record of direct experience of MAT chairing and delivering MAT improvement and growth
- A facilitated environment to stimulate personal and board development through structured discussion
- Each session will include advance stimulus material to support the exploration of key topics in the workshops
- Some sessions will involve contributions from other MAT experts, including NGA MAT experts and experienced MAT leaders
- Discussion, debate and networking are important parts of the workshops. Because it is run virtually, this programme enables you to network with current and future MAT chairs from all over England
Below is a summary of what you will achieve upon completing the programme. Download a PDF with detailed outlines of each session.
By the end of the programme, you will:
- have a clear understanding of the chair’s strategic leadership within the context of MAT governance
- know how to build, develop and manage your trustee team
- understand how to build your relationship with your CEO and the wider central team
- know how to work with the governance professional
- be knowledgeable about MAT governance structures, effective delegation, and how to mobilise local governance support and work with LGB chairs
- know how to plan for succession and other changes, and be able to lead and influence when required
- understand the chair’s lead role in developing trust strategy and be able to lead the board in setting and monitoring strategy and trust improvement through engagement with key stakeholders
- better understand how what decision-making looks like and how to achieve it through effective engagement, risk management and a well-run meeting schedule
- be able to assess the effectiveness of yourself and your board, to problem-solve, and to create and sustain your networks
Throughout the programme, you will consider current expectations of MATs, in particular under the Academy Trust Handbook, DfE Academy Trust Governance Guide 2024 and the DfE academy trust quality descriptions.
Janet Myers chairs a ten-school multi academy trust, conducts governance reviews, and delivers training for governors, chairs, clerks and boards. With 12 years in a blue-chip firm managing international operations, £100m+ projects, and change management, she has transformed school boards since 2009. Janet became an NGA Consultant and a National Leader of Governance in 2021 and has many years of experience of working with MAT chairs and trustees.
about this programme
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Start date: 30 October 2024
Session number |
Title |
Date | Time |
Session 1 |
Leading the board - taking the chair |
06/11/2024 |
6.30pm - 8.30pm |
Session 2 |
Building your board |
04/12/2024 |
6.30pm - 8.30pm |
Session 3 |
Working with your trust’s executive team |
08/01/2025 |
6.30pm - 8.30pm |
Session 4 |
Developing the strategy |
29/01/2025 |
6.30pm - 8.30pm |
Session 5 |
Making good decisions for your trust |
26/02/2025 |
6.30pm - 8.30pm |
Session 6 |
Evaluating the effectiveness of governance |
19/03/2025 |
6.30pm - 8.30pm |
Dates may be subject to change.
Cost for members
-
Add a 360 appraisal: £270
-
Add a mentor call: £105
or call
Cost for non-members
-
Add a 360 appraisal: £310
-
Add a mentor call: £115
or call
We are currently planning the upcoming cohorts for Leading Governance for MAT Trustees.
Receive notifications when new course dates are scheduled by registering your interest.