The Corporate Affairs team transforms what might typically be thought of as time-consuming, or sometimes even fear-inducing, work into a seamless journey for our academy leaders. From governance and data protection to admissions, communications, and parental engagement, we diligently ensure that these areas are well-supported by our central team so that our academies can focus their attention primarily on teaching and learning.
The key aspects of the service are:
Governance
We support and advise all our academies in relation to governance. We provide training and support for clerks, for anybody sitting on a Governors' Disciplinary Committee (GDC) and for Academy Parent Ambassadors (APAs). We also offer advice, guidance and support to the Board of Trustees. The Corporate Affairs Director performs the role of Company Secretary.
Statutory Processes
We provide support for trust and academy leaders in areas related to admissions, suspensions, exclusions, complaints, whistleblowing and legal matters. You can find out more on the Corporate Information section of our website.
Data Protection
As a public body providing a wide range of services, we process a significant amount of personal data relating to our pupils, parents, staff, contractors and other stakeholders. Our Data Protection Officer offers support, advice, guidance and training in all matters related to data protection. You can find out more on the Corporate Information section of our website.
Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
We support and advise all our academies in areas such as crisis communications and reputation management, ensuring compliant and compelling website content, fostering effective communication with colleagues and families including parental engagement strategies, advising on social media presence, actively seeking and responding to stakeholder feedback, and finding ways to celebrate what is happening within our academies with the local community.
As part of our commitment to empower trust and academy leaders, we provide a comprehensive one-day media training course. This programme equips leaders with the necessary skills to remain composed in difficult situations and adeptly handle questions from journalists.
Internal Scrutiny
The Corporate Affairs team provides an internal scrutiny function in order to ensure we are able to provide the Board of Trustees with impartial views of performance as required as part of the Academy Trust Handbook.