Governance
Governance at Aequalis is the framework that ensures clear accountability and strategic direction which drives consistent standards, improvement and safeguarding across all our schools. It ensures that there is clarity of vision and robust decision-making at every level. Our approach to governance balances autonomy for individual schools with Trust wide consistency and compliance. In short, it’s about leadership, accountability and making sure every decision serves the best interests of our children and young people.
Organisational Structure
The organisational structure of the Trust embodies accountability, oversight, support and challenge. The Trust Board delegates authority to the following key groups to ensure the effective leadership and governance of the Trust:
Constitutional and Governance Framework
The Articles of Association: are the legal document that sets out how the Trust is governed, defining its purpose, structure and the responsibilities of its Members and Directors (Trustees).
The Scheme of Delegation: is the document that outlines how the decision making authority is distributed within the Trust, clearly defining which responsibilities sit with the Trust Board, its committees and with the individual schools.
The Terms of Reference: this document sets out the purpose, structure and responsibilities of the committees within the Trust, clarifying their authority and how they support governance and decision-making.
AET Articles of Association, 2025AET Scheme of Delegation, 2025 (Word)
AET Scheme of Delegation, 2025 (Excel)
Governance Responsibility
The Trustees and Governors are jointly responsible for delivering the core functions of governance which are:
- strategic leadership
- accountability and assurance
- strategic engagement
In addition, the Trust is responsible for delivering an excellent education to children and young people whilst maintaining effective financial management. The Trust must also ensure compliance with:
- the trust’s charitable objects
- regulatory, contractual and statutory requirements
- their funding agreements
Personal and Pecuniary Interests
Members, Trustees and Governors are required to act impartially in the best interests of the school at all times and it is a condition that these are published on the website.
