Reviews of local governance

A review of local governance helps multi academy trusts to understand how effectively local governing bodies are performing their delegated responsibilities.

Consultancy

03/12/2025

There are several occasions when a detailed review of the local governance of an academy in your trust can be beneficial:

When a new school or academy joins your trust, a review of local governance can be part of your due diligence or induction process for a new school. This will offer clarity on the quality of governance your trust is inheriting.
If you have concerns about the performance of a school in the MAT, a review of local governance will help identify if local governance is effective
As part of your accountability and assurance processes, a ‘deep dive’ on local governance in each school is completed on a multi-year rotating basis.

Our services

MAT external review of governance

As part of a MAT ERG, we review the support provided to local boards and your accountability framework to ensure consistently high-quality governance at the local level. We will review evidence of local governance and provide a summary of findings and recommendations.

LGB online self-assessment

Our LGB online self-assessment tool provides more analysis of how local governors feel about their board’s governance and their relationship with the trust. The self-assessment service includes time with a consultant to discuss recommendations on how to build your local governance practices.

LGB facilitated self-review

An NGA consultant will facilitate a bespoke two-hour workshop for local governors to review their governance practices.

The workshop reflects your scheme of delegation, building local governors’ confidence and understanding of effective governance. Governors will work with our consultant to construct an action plan to develop their governance.

LGB external review of governance

This service explores the governance of an academy in your trust on a deeper level.

Our consultant will review the effectiveness of meetings, monitoring visits, reporting, compliance and assurance processes. They will then provide a detailed report on their findings with recommendations and suggested actions.

The review includes a workshop with the local board to develop their understanding and practices.

Outcomes

Peace of mind that local governance is working effectively
Local boards feel valued, impactful and effective
Local chairing skills are developed, helping to improve the recruitment and retention of governors
Your risks relating to effective local governance are reduced