LiFE Multi-Academy Trust
LiFE Multi-Academy Trust Minutes LiFE Multi Academy Trust Board Meeting - Directors 25th September 2017 Time: 7.00pm Iain Kinnis Location: The Compass, Bosworth Academy Carly Harper
Title: Date: Chair: Clerk:
DIRECTORS Name
Present /Apologies
Sophia Bulled (SBU)
Apologies Accepted
Maria Everley (MEV) Jenny Hobden (JHO)
✓ Apologies Accepted
Name Geoff Hurst (GHU) Aimee Kilbourne (AKI) Chris Parkinson (CPA)
Present / Apologies ✓ Apologies Accepted
✓
Name Iain Kinnis (IKI) Andy Smith (ASM) Lis Stock (LSM)
Present /Apologies ✓ ✓ ✓
In Attendance Name
Present /Apologies
Carly Harper (CHA) Clerk
✓
Name
Present / Apologies
Sarah Mayes (SMA) Company Secretary
Name
Present /Apologies
n/a
NOTES # 1
2
Agenda Item Welcome, Introductions and Apologies - Resignation of Director; Appointment of new Director; Resignation of Governors of both schools; Confirmation of new Governors at both schools
1.1 The Chair welcomed everyone to tonight’s meeting. 1.2 The Chair indicated that he had received apologies from AKI, JHO and SBU for tonight’s meeting and these were all accepted by those present. 1.3 The Director for Leadership and Management confirmed he would like to step down once a suitable replacement had been found. However, he would like to remain on the local governing body at Bosworth Academy. The Directors discussed the recruitment process and the clarification of the role of the Directors. Action: The Chair to contact two interested parties to request CV’s and discuss the roles. The Clerk to share contact details with the Chair. 1.4 The Clerk confirmed that the meeting was quorate (6 Directors present 66.66% verses 3 absent 33.33%). Election of the Chair and Vice Chair 3.1 There was a long discussion regarding the effectiveness of the Clerking and the time allotted for this service caused by budget constraints, along with the effect this is having on the Chair to ensure he is adding value in his role. The Executive Head Teacher updated the Board regarding the funding across the county and how this was affecting his role. The Directors previously took a decision to ensure that the front line (teaching for better outcomes) is protected. The Clerking and general administration support across the school last year was further compounded by the long term sickness absence of support staff. A Director confirmed that to be effective in business you are normally efficient. CF:A Director confirmed that governors are looking for direction from the Directors Board about their Roles and Responsibilities. It is felt that this is a fair expectation. Another Director confirmed that clarity is important to move forward. A Director commented that she feels that her role is becoming clearer. A Director suggested that we look to see what the vision looks like over a term, then a year and by addressing the questions of ‘what might members expect see?’ and ‘what impact are we having?’. The Chair confirmed that, we need to see that Directors are adding value. At Governor level their focus is Learning and Teaching to secure outcomes. Directors need to review the effectiveness of policies across the MAT. Action: The Directors to agree the role of the governing body and the impact they need to see in each school. 3.2 The Clerk led this section of the meeting. It was agreed that the role of the Chair and Vice Chair would continue for a further year from tonight’s meeting. This was unanimously voted by the Directors present for each role.
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5
6
7
8
9
Declarations of Interest 3.1 There were no declarations of interest against tonight’s agenda. However, the Clerk asked for the Directors to ensure that they update their Declarations of Interest for 2017-18. These will be added to the website. AOB 4.1 Accounts Approval 4.2 MAT Meeting Minutes and Matters Arising 5.1 The minutes and actions were circulated prior to the meeting and would be signed by the Chair after the meeting. Ratification of the Safeguarding policy 6.1 The Clerk confirmed that this was the updated Safeguarding policy. The Directors identified a couple of changes. A Director confirmed that it complies with the latest safeguarding information. It was agreed that this would be circulated across the MAT in each school once changes were made. Action: The Clerk to update, circulate to schools and add the MAT website. Funding issue update from the Executive Head Teacher 7.1 The Executive Head Teacher informed Directors that since the last meeting we had had a change in caseworker at the ESFA and described the difficulties that such changes can have. He has had to reconfirm all the information and outline our case again. A positive step forward is that the ESFA has stopped discussion about accessing the growth funding and are now justifying the budget. The Executive Head Teacher confirmed that we are preparing to run at a deficit if the need arises, as agreed by Directors at a previous meeting. The Executive Head Teacher will update the Directors of progress at the next meeting. Action: The Chair and Clerk to add to the next agenda. Pension Policy 8.1 The changes that were identified by the Clerk were circulated to Directors. The Directors asked for confirmation from the SBM to ensure that she had sought legal advice for the changes. It was agreed that the pension information would be left as it is. Action: SBM to contact solicitors to ensure that the pension scheme is fit for purpose and report back to Directors. Questions on the Executive Head Teachers Report Executive Head Teachers Report 9.1 The Directors and the Executive Head discussed the information contained in the report in detail. See full report. The Executive Head Teacher and the other Directors discussed the results at KS4 and KS5. The Executive Head Teacher discussed the ADT Fine Art A Level results issue. He confirmed that he is currently working with staff from the department to identify grounds for appealing the marks for Fine Art as they have all been awarded lower than expected marks. He confirmed that Bosworth Academy is working with Melton Vale to confirm if their moderator would agree with the results or if there are grounds for a request to remark. He explained the marking system that AQA used this year. Q: A Director asked If we had had a sense check of exam boards and art qualifications. The Executive Head Teacher confirmed that this was in place, however, there is a change in specification which rewards creativity and innovation. Q: A Director asked how the work was being compared. The Executive Head Teacher confirmed that this process is underway and we are working with Melton Vale to confirm their levels/marks to ours. He confirmed that marking is now a Science and students must have looked at five different artists rather than three as previously allowed. Q: A Director asked if the exam boards are the same at The Winstanley School (TWS) and Bosworth Academy (BA). The Executive Head Teacher confirmed that this is currently under review. 9.2 The Directors congratulated both schools for the results and progress made this year. Action: The Executive Head Teacher to relay this to staff across both schools. Risk Assessment Update 9.3 The Executive Head Teacher confirmed details of an ongoing issue and protection of staff on our school sites. Q: The Chair asked the Executive Head Teacher to confirm that we are doing everything reasonable to protect staff. The Executive Head teacher confirmed this is the case. Action: The Executive Head Teacher to write to the Chief Consultable and cc our local MPs regarding the welfare of staff and the issue at TWS.
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Schemes of Delegation (SoD) 10.1 The Director’s discussed the Schemes of Delegation for both BA and TWS. They confirmed that No 11 for Bosworth Academy should be amended to: Members
Board of Directors
Executive Headteacher
LGB
Determine – policies and criteria for the selection of Board of Directors and Governors
Report - to the Board of Directors on the performance of the LGBs
Review procedures for the election of staff and parent governors of the LGB
Head of School
11 Appointments of Members to Board of Ratify the Directors and decision of the Governors – Board of ensuring Directors for processes in appointment of place for Directors and appointment of Governors Board of Directors (including ensuring that the Board of Directors and Governors have the skills to run the Trust and the Academies)
11
12 13 14
15 16
17
Review - annually the size, Review – own Review – structure, performance performance of composition and the LGBs skill Review – the Board’s own Recommend – if performance appropriate changes to the size and Propose Directors composition of appointments the LGBs
10.2 Action: Clerk to amend and add to the LiFE Multi Academy Trust website. Note this would be version 4. Confirmation of the NGA Code of practice for the MAT 11.1 The NGA code of practice was adopted by the Directors present. 11.2 Action: The Clerk to circulate the details across the governing bodies of the schools within the LiFE Multi Academy Trust. Role Descriptors for Directors update of progress 12.1 The Chair confirmed that these documents were still a Work In Progress. Succession Planning 13.1 The Chair indicated that this would be discussed in more detail at a later meeting. Data Protection 14.1 The documentation was circulated prior to the meeting. It was agreed that there should be a senior leader with the responsibility in each school to report to the Directors. However, it needs to be clarified that a Director must oversee the effectiveness of the Data Protection across the LiFE Multi Academy Trust as this person needs to be in a position where they cannot be sacked ie on the board of Directors. It was agreed that the Director of Leadership and Management would be the Data Protection Officer. Dates for future meetings confirmation Proposal for change in salary for Sports Games Organiser (Competition and Leadership) from Chris Ripley (Circulated prior to the meeting) 16.1 It was suggested by Directors that further information was required to agree this kind of recommendation. Action: the Director of Finance to bring further information eg redundancy impact to the next meeting. Any Other Business (AOB) 17.1 The Director of Finance proposed that a meeting should be held on the 20th November to confirm the Audit of accounts with the auditor. Action: The SBM to circulate the papers required 1 week prior to the meeting. 17.2 The Director of Finance confirmed that the Teachers Pay Increase for cost of living will be capped at 1% for the 1st September 2017. 17.3 The Directors agreed the proposed budgets for both schools.
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Date of Next Meeting 18.1 It was confirmed that the next meeting would be 6:00pm on 11th December 2017 in The Compass, at Bosworth Academy. MINUTES AGREED & SIGNED Chair: Iain Kinnis Date: Signed:
Title: Date: Chair: Clerk:
DIRECTORS Name
Present /Apologies
Sophia Bulled (SBU)
Apologies Accepted
Maria Everley (MEV) Jenny Hobden (JHO)
✓ Apologies Accepted
Name Geoff Hurst (GHU) Aimee Kilbourne (AKI) Chris Parkinson (CPA)
Present / Apologies ✓ Apologies Accepted
✓
Name Iain Kinnis (IKI) Andy Smith (ASM) Lis Stock (LSM)
Present /Apologies ✓ ✓ ✓
In Attendance Name
Present /Apologies
Carly Harper (CHA) Clerk
✓
Name
Present / Apologies
Sarah Mayes (SMA) Company Secretary
Name
Present /Apologies
n/a
NOTES # 1
2
Agenda Item Welcome, Introductions and Apologies - Resignation of Director; Appointment of new Director; Resignation of Governors of both schools; Confirmation of new Governors at both schools
1.1 The Chair welcomed everyone to tonight’s meeting. 1.2 The Chair indicated that he had received apologies from AKI, JHO and SBU for tonight’s meeting and these were all accepted by those present. 1.3 The Director for Leadership and Management confirmed he would like to step down once a suitable replacement had been found. However, he would like to remain on the local governing body at Bosworth Academy. The Directors discussed the recruitment process and the clarification of the role of the Directors. Action: The Chair to contact two interested parties to request CV’s and discuss the roles. The Clerk to share contact details with the Chair. 1.4 The Clerk confirmed that the meeting was quorate (6 Directors present 66.66% verses 3 absent 33.33%). Election of the Chair and Vice Chair 3.1 There was a long discussion regarding the effectiveness of the Clerking and the time allotted for this service caused by budget constraints, along with the effect this is having on the Chair to ensure he is adding value in his role. The Executive Head Teacher updated the Board regarding the funding across the county and how this was affecting his role. The Directors previously took a decision to ensure that the front line (teaching for better outcomes) is protected. The Clerking and general administration support across the school last year was further compounded by the long term sickness absence of support staff. A Director confirmed that to be effective in business you are normally efficient. CF:A Director confirmed that governors are looking for direction from the Directors Board about their Roles and Responsibilities. It is felt that this is a fair expectation. Another Director confirmed that clarity is important to move forward. A Director commented that she feels that her role is becoming clearer. A Director suggested that we look to see what the vision looks like over a term, then a year and by addressing the questions of ‘what might members expect see?’ and ‘what impact are we having?’. The Chair confirmed that, we need to see that Directors are adding value. At Governor level their focus is Learning and Teaching to secure outcomes. Directors need to review the effectiveness of policies across the MAT. Action: The Directors to agree the role of the governing body and the impact they need to see in each school. 3.2 The Clerk led this section of the meeting. It was agreed that the role of the Chair and Vice Chair would continue for a further year from tonight’s meeting. This was unanimously voted by the Directors present for each role.
LiFE Multi-Academy Trust 3
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5
6
7
8
9
Declarations of Interest 3.1 There were no declarations of interest against tonight’s agenda. However, the Clerk asked for the Directors to ensure that they update their Declarations of Interest for 2017-18. These will be added to the website. AOB 4.1 Accounts Approval 4.2 MAT Meeting Minutes and Matters Arising 5.1 The minutes and actions were circulated prior to the meeting and would be signed by the Chair after the meeting. Ratification of the Safeguarding policy 6.1 The Clerk confirmed that this was the updated Safeguarding policy. The Directors identified a couple of changes. A Director confirmed that it complies with the latest safeguarding information. It was agreed that this would be circulated across the MAT in each school once changes were made. Action: The Clerk to update, circulate to schools and add the MAT website. Funding issue update from the Executive Head Teacher 7.1 The Executive Head Teacher informed Directors that since the last meeting we had had a change in caseworker at the ESFA and described the difficulties that such changes can have. He has had to reconfirm all the information and outline our case again. A positive step forward is that the ESFA has stopped discussion about accessing the growth funding and are now justifying the budget. The Executive Head Teacher confirmed that we are preparing to run at a deficit if the need arises, as agreed by Directors at a previous meeting. The Executive Head Teacher will update the Directors of progress at the next meeting. Action: The Chair and Clerk to add to the next agenda. Pension Policy 8.1 The changes that were identified by the Clerk were circulated to Directors. The Directors asked for confirmation from the SBM to ensure that she had sought legal advice for the changes. It was agreed that the pension information would be left as it is. Action: SBM to contact solicitors to ensure that the pension scheme is fit for purpose and report back to Directors. Questions on the Executive Head Teachers Report Executive Head Teachers Report 9.1 The Directors and the Executive Head discussed the information contained in the report in detail. See full report. The Executive Head Teacher and the other Directors discussed the results at KS4 and KS5. The Executive Head Teacher discussed the ADT Fine Art A Level results issue. He confirmed that he is currently working with staff from the department to identify grounds for appealing the marks for Fine Art as they have all been awarded lower than expected marks. He confirmed that Bosworth Academy is working with Melton Vale to confirm if their moderator would agree with the results or if there are grounds for a request to remark. He explained the marking system that AQA used this year. Q: A Director asked If we had had a sense check of exam boards and art qualifications. The Executive Head Teacher confirmed that this was in place, however, there is a change in specification which rewards creativity and innovation. Q: A Director asked how the work was being compared. The Executive Head Teacher confirmed that this process is underway and we are working with Melton Vale to confirm their levels/marks to ours. He confirmed that marking is now a Science and students must have looked at five different artists rather than three as previously allowed. Q: A Director asked if the exam boards are the same at The Winstanley School (TWS) and Bosworth Academy (BA). The Executive Head Teacher confirmed that this is currently under review. 9.2 The Directors congratulated both schools for the results and progress made this year. Action: The Executive Head Teacher to relay this to staff across both schools. Risk Assessment Update 9.3 The Executive Head Teacher confirmed details of an ongoing issue and protection of staff on our school sites. Q: The Chair asked the Executive Head Teacher to confirm that we are doing everything reasonable to protect staff. The Executive Head teacher confirmed this is the case. Action: The Executive Head Teacher to write to the Chief Consultable and cc our local MPs regarding the welfare of staff and the issue at TWS.
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Schemes of Delegation (SoD) 10.1 The Director’s discussed the Schemes of Delegation for both BA and TWS. They confirmed that No 11 for Bosworth Academy should be amended to: Members
Board of Directors
Executive Headteacher
LGB
Determine – policies and criteria for the selection of Board of Directors and Governors
Report - to the Board of Directors on the performance of the LGBs
Review procedures for the election of staff and parent governors of the LGB
Head of School
11 Appointments of Members to Board of Ratify the Directors and decision of the Governors – Board of ensuring Directors for processes in appointment of place for Directors and appointment of Governors Board of Directors (including ensuring that the Board of Directors and Governors have the skills to run the Trust and the Academies)
11
12 13 14
15 16
17
Review - annually the size, Review – own Review – structure, performance performance of composition and the LGBs skill Review – the Board’s own Recommend – if performance appropriate changes to the size and Propose Directors composition of appointments the LGBs
10.2 Action: Clerk to amend and add to the LiFE Multi Academy Trust website. Note this would be version 4. Confirmation of the NGA Code of practice for the MAT 11.1 The NGA code of practice was adopted by the Directors present. 11.2 Action: The Clerk to circulate the details across the governing bodies of the schools within the LiFE Multi Academy Trust. Role Descriptors for Directors update of progress 12.1 The Chair confirmed that these documents were still a Work In Progress. Succession Planning 13.1 The Chair indicated that this would be discussed in more detail at a later meeting. Data Protection 14.1 The documentation was circulated prior to the meeting. It was agreed that there should be a senior leader with the responsibility in each school to report to the Directors. However, it needs to be clarified that a Director must oversee the effectiveness of the Data Protection across the LiFE Multi Academy Trust as this person needs to be in a position where they cannot be sacked ie on the board of Directors. It was agreed that the Director of Leadership and Management would be the Data Protection Officer. Dates for future meetings confirmation Proposal for change in salary for Sports Games Organiser (Competition and Leadership) from Chris Ripley (Circulated prior to the meeting) 16.1 It was suggested by Directors that further information was required to agree this kind of recommendation. Action: the Director of Finance to bring further information eg redundancy impact to the next meeting. Any Other Business (AOB) 17.1 The Director of Finance proposed that a meeting should be held on the 20th November to confirm the Audit of accounts with the auditor. Action: The SBM to circulate the papers required 1 week prior to the meeting. 17.2 The Director of Finance confirmed that the Teachers Pay Increase for cost of living will be capped at 1% for the 1st September 2017. 17.3 The Directors agreed the proposed budgets for both schools.
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Date of Next Meeting 18.1 It was confirmed that the next meeting would be 6:00pm on 11th December 2017 in The Compass, at Bosworth Academy. MINUTES AGREED & SIGNED Chair: Iain Kinnis Date: Signed:
