Hailsham Community College Academy Trust (HCCAT) board of trustees is the accountable body for the trust and must ensure that the trust meets its charitable purpose which is to advance education for public good. It does this by undertaking the three core strategic functions.
- Ensuring there is clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.
- Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation, its students, and the performance management of staff.
- Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent.
The board of trustees are responsible for the governance of HCCAT, exercising the powers of as delegated by the Department for Education (DfE) and/or the Regional Director. This will also include responsibilities as set out in the Articles of Association and in the Funding Agreement. The responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Strategic Leadership
- Provide clear direction for the trust, ensuring alignment with the trust’s vision, ethos, and values.
- Set and monitor strategic objectives, ensuring the educational performance is strong.
- Hold the trust’s executive leaders to account for the delivery of strategic objectives and outcomes.
- Educational Standards & Outcomes
- Ensure that high-quality teaching and learning are maintained across the school.
- Monitor and evaluate academic outcomes, including student progress, attainment, and well-being.
- Support and challenge school leadership to improve student outcomes where necessary.
- Financial Oversight
- Oversee the financial management of the trust, ensuring effective use of public funds.
- Approve and monitor budgets, ensuring compliance with the Academies Trust Handbook and the trust’s financial procedures.
- Ensure financial risks are identified and mitigated, and that value for money is achieved in all operations.
- Governance and Compliance
- Ensure the trust complies with all legal and regulatory requirements, including safeguarding, health and safety, and data protection.
- Maintain robust risk management and internal control processes.
- Review and update trust policies, procedures, and governance documents as necessary.
- Ensure that the trust adheres to its funding agreement and Articles of Association.
- Risk Management
- Identify, assess, and manage the key risks facing the trust.
- Ensure a risk register is maintained and regularly reviewed, with appropriate mitigation strategies in place.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Ensure effective communication and engagement with key stakeholders, including parents, staff, students, and the wider community.
- Maintain strong relationships with the DfE, RD, Education and other regulatory bodies.