Welcome to our page about School Governance.
In accordance with the Scheme of Delegated Authority (SODA), Truro and Penwith Academy Trust (TPAT) is governed by Members who review the strategic direction and a Board of Trustees who are responsible for and oversee the management and administration of the academies run by the Trust. Each academy or group of academies has a Local Monitoring Committee who are responsible for the oversight of the day-to day management and administration of each academy (in accordance with the SODA).
In Multi Academy Trusts, the purpose of governance is to provide:
• Strategic leadership
• Accountability and assurance
• Strategic engagement
Responsibilities around this purpose is outlined in the SODA.
In order to achieve the governance purpose, the Board of Trustees through the Committees and LMCs, plan and develop policies and review each of the academies within the Trust.
Expectations of all members within LMCs
Meetings
• Attend meetings of the LMC whenever possible, and provide good reasons for any failure to attend meetings
• Prepare for and contribute to meetings and complete any agreed follow up work
• Attend meetings of the LMC whenever possible, and provide good reasons for any failure to attend meetings
• Prepare for and contribute to meetings and complete any agreed follow up work
Teamwork
• Contribute to the LMC’s operation as an effective team by establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other committee members and staff
• Recognise the authority of the LMC is vested in the group and that no individual has individual authority
• Recognise the respective roles of the LMC and the Headteacher and staff (the operational management of the school is the Headteachers role)
• Recognise that individuals on the committee are equal members of the LMC and accept collective responsibility. Speak or act on behalf of the LMC only when authorised to do so
Knowledge of the school
• Arrange to visit the school and undertake monitoring activities, where possible attend school events and functions
• Know the school’s strengths, its areas for development, improvement plans and progress towards identified areas for development
Personal interests
• Put responsibilities as a committee member before personal interests
• Ensure any business or pecuniary interests are declared as required and withdraw from meetings as appropriate
Other
• Maintain confidentiality
• Act at all times fairly and without prejudice
• Support the school in the community, exercising prudence and tact if contentious issues affecting the school arise outside the LMC, and follow procedures agreed by the Trust in making or responding to criticism or complaints
Personal development
• Undertake training and take advantage of opportunities to increase understanding and effectiveness as a member of an LMC. Take advantage of the TPAT governance training programme
• Keep up to date with governance through reading and accessing information readily available online ie DfE websites.
Miss Samantha Haworth
Staff Governor
Mrs Julia Stoneman
Clerk