Governance at Hollingworth Learning Trust 

At HLT we recognise that strong and effective governance is a vital element of the success of our academies and trust.  Our mission is to make a positive difference to the lives of our children, providing opportunity, insisting on high standards and making a long-term commitment to our pupils, families, communities and our staff and schools. The purpose of each academy is to improve the life chances of each child regardless of ability, gender, social background, or ethnic origin and it is essential that everyone within our Trust family is part of that commitment. 

Our Governance Boards 

Our trusts governing boards are committed to supporting our academies based on the six key features of effective governance as outlined in the Academies Handbook: 

Strategic Leadership: 

  • Being connected to the local communities we serve, engaging meaningfully with parents and carers. 

  • Having a clear vision and strategic priorities which model or culture, values and ethos. 

Accountability 

  • Holding senior leaders to account for the educational performance of our academies, its pupils and the performance of staff. 

  • Reviewing the finances of our academies to make sure that funding is well spent. 

People 

  • Ensuring our boards have the right people around the table with the right skills, experience, qualities and capacity. 

Structure 

  • Supporting academies to have the appropriate board and committee structure in place that reflects the organisation and ensures oversight of key priorities.  

  • A clear separation between strategic and operational. 

  • Ensuring communication between all levels of governance.  

  • Understanding that not one size fits all, each trust and academy governance board is different. 

Compliance 

  • Supporting our academies to ensure they are compliant with the key responsibilities as set out in the relevant legal statutory requirements, code of conduct and best practice.  

Evaluation  

  • Supporting boards with regular evaluation, including skills audits and self-evaluation. 

 

Why become a member of our Trust Governance Team 

We recognise and welcome that all our Members, Trustees and governors come from various walks of life.  Governance provides you with the opportunity for personal development, building of your skills and experience, and working as part of a team.  You will help improve the lives of children and young people and make a difference to the community you serve.  For more information about the role and responsibilities of governance at Hollingworth Learning, please read our Scheme of Delegation. 

Your Commitment 

For trustees, there is a commitment for a minimum of six meetings per year, with the flexibility to attend some of these via Teams. Local Governors are also required to attend six meetings per year, these are usually in person, virtual attendance is at the discretion of the academy.  Members are required to attend the Annual General Meeting once a year.  Meetings usually take place after schools and are for a duration of approximately two hours. 

If you are interested in volunteering to become a Member or Trustee at our Trust please Click Here to complete our expression of interest form.