As multi-academy trusts prepare for 2025, trustee boards face an ever-evolving and increasingly complex landscape.
This is why many MATs are looking to increase the scope of skills and expertise on their boards, to help ensure trusts and their schools are ready for whatever challenges they face.
For MATs still embarking on this journey, here are five key areas to consider for board development in order to be ready for the challenges of the future.
1. Financial literacy
The funding environment for MATs remains tight. Reductions in funding streams, and the withdrawal of grants like the academy conversion support grant mean boards must work smarter with fewer resources.
Financial literacy among trustees is no longer optional - it’s essential. Boards need to harness expertise to find creative solutions, prioritise spending and maximise impact.
Understanding financial management, budgeting and funding streams is crucial. Governors need to be able to make informed decisions about resource allocation and explore innovative revenue diversification strategies.
2. Strategic planning
If left to its own devices, the education sector is likely to see an increase in mergers between MATs, particularly to address the financial challenges faced by smaller trusts.
Rising operational costs, decreasing pupil numbers and tighter funding constraints are expected to push smaller MATs towards formal collaboration or consolidation with larger, more established trusts.
The ability to think strategically about mergers and collaborations is essential. Governors must evaluate potential partnerships that can lead to economies of scale and sustainable operational capabilities.
3. Facilities management and long-term planning
School estates are under scrutiny like never before, and for good reason. The ongoing RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) crisis has highlighted the stark realities of ageing infrastructure and the risks it poses to safety and learning.
For many trusts, tackling these challenges will require expertise in facilities management and long-term planning.
Knowledge in infrastructure assessment, including ESG (environmental, social and governance) accountability, is vital. This includes ensuring energy efficiency and safety in school buildings.
4. Workforce strategy - retention and diversity
The statistics are sobering: 40,000 teachers left the profession in 2023. Thirteen per cent leave after just one year and nearly one in five leave after two. Recruitment and retention challenges have reached critical levels, and boards must act now to address them.
That said, the recently released Teacher Wellbeing Index 2024 sees some slight improvement.
Skills in promoting workforce wellbeing are necessary for improving recruitment and retention rates. This involves understanding work-life balance strategies, mental health initiatives and professional development opportunities.
As part of this, a commitment to and understanding of diversity in leadership is imperative, too. A board that reflects the community can better address educational challenges and foster an inclusive environment.
5. Technology and AI competence
It’s not going away. Technology is transforming education, and AI is at the forefront of that revolution. Whether it’s automating administrative tasks, enhancing classroom learning or supporting pupils with additional needs, the potential is enormous - but so are the challenges.
Familiarity with technology in education, especially AI, is important. Governors need to guide the ethical use of technology, support staff training and address cybersecurity concerns.
The ability to create thoughtful policies regarding the use of technology and social media impacts on student wellbeing is critical.
Integration of these skills will empower school governors to lead effectively and ensure that schools not only meet current challenges but also thrive in the future.
Helene Usherwood is a senior partner at Anderson Quigley
