Governance
Our governance structure enables our Trust to deliver the core functions of governance whilst ensuring we comply with charity law, company law, and the trust's funding agreement. The Trustee board and committees hold a balance and diversity of knowledge, skills and experience which enables them to be effective. Our governing body works in collaboration to make a valuable contribution to our children’s education, opportunities and futures.
Trust Governance Structure
Woodland Academy Trust Governance Structure
Members: Dr Deborah Absalom, Emma Aiyere, Frank Green, Neil Riddington & Andrew Jay
Chair of Trustees: Nick Osborne
Trustee with responsibility for safeguarding: Sue Butterfill.
The Role Of Our Members
The members of an academy trust are the guardians of the governance of the Trust. They have a limited and distinct role. The Members can control changes in the Articles and other fundamental decisions relating to the Trust. Although the Board of Trustees has legal responsibility and ultimate accountability for the Trust, Members will keep themselves informed about how the Board is performing and have an awareness of when they may need to exercise their powers to ensure effective governance.
The Role Of Our Trustees
The Trustees are also the company directors and have ultimate accountability for the schools and the Trust. Our Trustees' combined skills offer a wealth of experience to support the Trust in its activities. The Board of Trustees manages the business of the Trust and focuses strongly on the three core functions of governance:
1. Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.
2. Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the Trust and its pupils, and the performance management of staff.
3. Overseeing the financial performance of the Trust and making sure its money is well spent.
You can view our Board of Trustee's profiles on the 'Our Team' page of our website.
The Role Of Our Local Academy Committees
The Local Academy Committees exist at each school to ensure a link is formed between the Trust’s governance structure and the school local communities. The Local Academy Committee is focused on the day-to-day life of the school, the development of learning and listening to the parental and community voice. Each Local Academy Committee is accountable to and must serve its community.
Click the file link below to view the Member and Trustee Declarations of Interest and Committee Membership
Member & Trustee DOI and Committee membership document
Trustee and Member Meeting Attendance 2022-2023
If you would like to see the minutes from our Board of Trustee meetings please email clerk@watschools.org.uk
Key Governance Documents
For details about Woodland Academy Trust on the Government GIAS site, visit the link below:
Get Information about Schools- The Woodland Academy Trust
If you are interested in becoming a Trustee or a Local Academy Committee member, visit our 'Join Us' page to view any vacancies.