How Governance Works at Charter
The Charter Schools Educational Trust is a company limited by guarantee. Our governance structure reflects the importance of every layer of oversight, providing parity of esteem across the organisation.
Our Governance Structure
Members
The highest tier of governance. Members are the guardians of the Trust, its purpose and welfare. Their responsibilities are limited and specific - very much eyes on, hands off — with no day-to-day management responsibilities.
Board of Trustees
Legally responsible for the actions of the Trust and all its schools. The Board sets strategic direction, maintains legal oversight, monitors performance across all schools, and establishes and reviews material policies and processes. It is accountable to the Members, the Secretary of State for Education and the wider community.
Local Governing Bodies (LGBs)
Each school has its own Local Governing Body, providing oversight of that individual school. LGBs ensure the school meets its educational vision and targets, monitor the school budget, and ensure the school's values are lived in practice. The extent of each LGB's powers is set out in the Trust Scheme of Delegation.
Trust Executive Team
The executive management arm of the Trust, responsible for operations and educational performance across all schools. The Executive Team consists of the CEO, CFO, Director of Operations and the Headteacher of each school.
Trust Board Committees
Finance, Audit & Risk Committee
Provides assurance over the sustainability of and compliance with the Trust's financial systems, risk management and value for money.
Standards Committee
Provides assurance on standards, performance and safeguarding across all schools. Has strategic oversight of the London South Teaching School Hub.
People & Pay Committee
Supports the Board in its duties as an employer, including oversight of recruitment, appraisal and pay policies.
Governing Documents
Articles of association
Sets out the charitable objects of the Trust, its governance composition and overarching procedures.
Funding Agreement
The legal contract between the Secretary of State and The Charter Schools Educational Trust.
