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Multi-Academy Trust Board External Review of Governance (ERG)

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Independent, Expert-Led Governance Reviews (ERGs) Aligned with the Latest Ofsted Framework

“The strategic insights from the ERG have helped leaders including Executive Leaders, Senior Leaders, Governors and Trustees to fully understand some of the key strengths and areas for development in their academies and across the trust.  This has enabled us to become much more effective in planning our governance and leadership development programmes and succession plans for the future.”

Heather McLachlan – CEO Potteries Education Trust.

Strong governance is the cornerstone of effective trust leadership. Under the current Ofsted framework, governance is scrutinised not just for compliance, but for its strategic impact on curriculum, safeguarding, financial oversight, and pupil outcomes. Our External Review of Governance (ERG) offers MAT CEOs a rigorous, impartial evaluation of board effectiveness—delivered by experienced consultants with deep sector knowledge.

✅ Why Commission an ERG with JMC?

Ofsted-Ready Insight

Our reviews are fully aligned with the latest inspection methodology. We assess how governance contributes to strategic leadership, curriculum oversight, safeguarding culture, and sustainable improvement.

Credibility & Experience

JMC consultants bring a wealth of experience from inspection, trust leadership, and national policy advisory roles. Amongst our governance team are:

Strategic Value for CEOs

Our ERG process provides CEOs and Chairs with actionable insights to strengthen governance, improve board functionality, and demonstrate impact to stakeholders—including Ofsted and the Regional Director’s Office.

🔍 What Our ERG Covers

  • Board Structure & Functionality
    Evaluation of roles, responsibilities, and how effectively the board supports and challenges executive leaders.
  • Curriculum Oversight
    How trustees monitor curriculum ambition, sequencing, and impact—especially for disadvantaged and SEND learners.
  • Safeguarding Governance
    Review of safeguarding oversight, safer recruitment, and the board’s role in fostering a culture of vigilance.
  • Financial & Risk Management
    Assessment of financial probity, risk oversight, and strategic resource allocation.
  • Stakeholder Engagement
    How governance ensures transparency, accountability, and meaningful engagement with parents, staff, and pupils.
  • Impact & Improvement
    Focus on how governance drives improvement and contributes to positive outcomes across the trust.

Basis of a Highly Effective ERG

The multi-academy trust ERG will consider the core strategic functions as laid down by the DfE:

  1. Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
  2. Holding the executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the school/trust and its pupils, and the performance management of staff
  3. Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent

The National Governance Association has identified eight elements that are essential for good governance.

  1. The right people around the table
  2. Understanding the role and responsibilities
  3. Good chairing
  4. Professional clerking
  5. Good relationships based on trust
  6. Knowing the school/trust- the date, the staff, the parents, the children, the community
  7. Committed to asking challenging questions
  8. Confident to have courageous conversations in the interests of the children and young people

We also offer Governors Training in areas such as Ofsted, Safeguarding, Quality Assurance & Oversight , find out more here

JMC Governance Team

📋 What You Receive

  • Initial Scoping Call with the CEO and Chair
  • On-site or Remote Review conducted by a senior consultant
  • Verbal Feedback Session with key stakeholders
  • Confidential Written Report with strengths, areas for development, and strategic recommendations
  • Optional Follow-Up Support including coaching or board development sessions

🧭 Who Is This For?

  • MATs preparing for Ofsted inspection
  • Trusts seeking assurance on governance effectiveness
  • CEOs wanting to strengthen board impact and strategic alignment
  • Boards undergoing leadership transition or growth

💬 Client Feedback

“JMC’s ERG gave us the clarity and confidence we needed ahead of inspection. The consultant’s depth of knowledge and strategic insight was exceptional.”
— CEO, Midlands MAT

📞 Book Your ERG Today

Contact us to arrange a scoping call or to discuss how an ERG can support your trust’s strategic goals.

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    We also carry out Governance reviews for maintained schools & independent schools. Find out more here

    JMC Governance Team

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