Chair’s Introduction & Welcome
Brian Lightman, Education Consultant and former General Secretary of ASCL
In conversation with Dr Tim Coulson
- The key benefits that involvement in a MAT can provide
- Effective MAT leadership: challenges, opportunities and common pitfalls
- The role of the RSC and what the future might look like
Dr Tim Coulson, outgoing Regional Schools Commissioner and future Chief Executive, Samuel Ward Academy Trust
The MATs debate: A factual, balanced discussion on the pros and cons of joining or establishing a Multi-Academy Trust
- Is there such a thing as economies of scale in the majority of MATs?
- Does joining a MAT have to result in diminished autonomy?
- Are MATs successfully improving student outcomes and raising standards?
- What is the role of ‘trust’ in a MAT?
Clare Collins MBE, Head of Consultancy, National Governance Association
Nick Mackenzie, Partner, Browne Jacobson LLP
Rethinking models for efficient financial operations: Know what to outsource, understand the technology required and gain tips to maintain a robust, consistent financial process across a trust
David Bond, Financial Controller, Lion Academy Trust & Lion Education Trust
Practical insights from a recently formed Multi-Academy Trust on the processes, pitfalls and compliancy issues involved in setting up a MAT
Gain a process checklist on the journey
Jeremy Rowe, CEO, Waveney Valley Academies Trust
Understand the due diligence process, clarify the different approaches available and ensure the financial and legal position of the whole group is clear and transparent
Nick Mackenzie, Partner, Jamie Otter, Legal Director & Natasha Duckett, HR Consultant, Browne Jacobson LLP
Key steps and tips to successfully utilise technology to realise cost savings and enable sustainable growth of a Multi-Academy Trust
Jesse Johnson, Head of Multi-Academy Trusts, RM Education
Can you join a MAT and retain your autonomy?
How to identify your non-negotiables and find the right MAT to allows individual school decision making
Leave with a list of questions to ask potential partners
Karen Burns, Chief Executive, Carillion Academies Trust
Enhance retention by successfully harmonising staff terms and conditions, reassuring employees and unlocking the benefits of the larger workforce available through a MAT
Naseem Nabi, Partner, Veale Wasbrough Vizards
Moving from an operational to strategic role: Clarify new responsibilities and gain strategies to manage increased workload and accountability
Matthew Clements-Wheeler, Business Manager and Deputy Head, Bordesley Green Girls' School
Financial compliance as a Trust: Clarify your legal financial obligations, understand the different financial structures and ensure robust financial management
Lisa Forster, Principal Consultant, CIPFA
Understand how the roles and responsibilities of your existing governing body is likely to change when joining an MAT
Clare Collins MBE, Head of Consultancy, National Governance Association
How to manage the transition from Headteacher to MAT leader: New responsibilities, crucial first steps and ensuring support from key stakeholders
Karen Burns, Chief Executive, Carillion Academies Trust
What does the research say about the success of the Multi-Academy Trust movement and has enough research been conducted to present tangible arguments about the benefits of MATs?
Karen Wespieser, Head of Impact, National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER)
