Wednesday 15 November 2017, 8.00am-11.30am

The Tytherington Club, Macclesfield

With over one third of schools in England now converted to academy status, the Department for Education expects more schools to work together in larger Multi Academy Trusts (MATs) to build economies of scale and resilience, in the face of serious funding pressures. The new National Funding Formula, as well as changes in pensions, national insurance and insurance premium tax are all having a significant impact on school budgets. The uncertainty surrounding Brexit, wider economic conditions and the public finances could bring further problems. The need for awareness of risk, spotting opportunities, applying innovation and economies of scale has never been greater.

We invite you to join us for this invitation-only breakfast seminar to explore the ingredients of a successful Multi Academy Trust in a fast-changing political and economic environment. We have assembled a group of senior practitioners with a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Cost: Just £10 plus VAT (including materials and refreshments)

Programme

8.00am  Arrival, registration and breakfast available

8.30am  Introduction and Welcome – Chair

8.40am  What does good governance look like in a MAT?

9.15am   How to build your strategic plan – spotting opportunities and confronting the challenges

10.00am  Building an effective framework for assurance and internal control

10.45am  Questions and Discussion

11.00am  Coffee and Networking

11.30am  Close

8.40am   What does good governance look like in a MAT?    Mark Johnson, Solicitor & Chartered Secretary, Elderflower Legal

Governance is the system by which an organisation is ‘directed or controlled to achieve its core purpose over the long-term’. Good governance is the bedrock on which successful organisations are built. 2017/18 looks set to be a year of further focus on governance standards by the DfE, EFA, Regional Schools Commissioners and OFSTED. Learn how you can set up your systems and processes for success. Avoid the traps and pitfalls, learn how to manage the risks and stay compliant.

9.15am   How to build your strategic plan – spotting opportunities and confronting the challenges    Ian Mackintosh, MD, Inteta

‘Strategy’ is the direction and scope of your organisation over the long-term to achieve advantage in a changing environment through the optimum configuration of your resources and competencies. Valuable lessons can be learned from the business world in planning for success. Learn how to plan for the future, grasp opportunities, building on your strengths while identifying and managing weaknesses.

10.00am   Building an effective framework for assurance and internal control    Grenville Page, MD, Grenville Page Consulting

The Academies Financial Handbook places a clear duty on trustees and senior executive leaders to build and maintain sound internal control, risk management and assurance processes for your academy trust. Learn how to implement effective systems to identify and manage risks. Understand the new tests applied by the Regional Schools Commissioners on capacity to grow, financial sustainability and risk management. Understand the role of an effective audit committee, responsible officer/ internal audit service.

Headteachers, Executive Headteachers and Principals, Chairs of Governors, Trustees, Chairs of Finance and Resources, School Business Managers of prospective or ‘fledgling’ MATs.