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 Financial Scheme of Delegation: this sets out who has authority to make financial decisions within the Trust, and to what extent. It is both a compliance document and a practical tool for maintaining robust financial control.
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)
AET Financial Scheme of Delegation, 2025 (Need)
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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
Funding Agreements
The Master Funding Agreement: this is the contract that forms the overarching legal and operational relationship between the Trust and the Secretary of State. It defines the Trust's legal obligations, governance and financial accountability.
The Supplemental Funding Agreements: these are the legal contracts between the Department for Education and the Trust which sets out the specific funding and operational terms for each individual academy school within the Trust. It includes details about the school's name, location, age range, admissions and pupil numbers.
AMS Master Funding Agreement, 2017
Annual Report and Financial Statements
The Annual Report and Financial Statement: this is a formal year-end accountability document that a Trust must produce each year, setting out how it has used public funds, how it has performed educationally and financially, and demonstrating that it has met its legal and regulatory duties.
AMS Annual Report & Financial Statement, 2024
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.
