Castleford Trust is committed to strong, effective governance that ensures clarity of accountability, sound decision-making and high standards of probity. Our governance structure provides clear reporting lines and robust oversight, to support strong performance across the Trust.

Members

Members play a vital role as the guardians of governance at Castleford Trust. They uphold the Trust’s purpose, ethos, and objectives and have the authority to direct the Trust Board when necessary to ensure these principles are met. Members are responsible for appointing our Trustees and external auditors. To fulfil their duties effectively, they have access to all information, briefing documents, and minutes provided to the Trust Board and its committees. Members may be invited to attend meetings of the Trust Board, its committees, or Local Governing Bodies, and they hold the right to question the auditors.

View our Members and read more about them:

 

Board of Trustees

The Trust Board has ultimate responsibility for the strategic leadership, governance, and long-term success of Castleford Trust. Its role is to ensure clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction; hold executive leaders accountable for educational outcomes and performance; and oversee sound financial management.

To fulfil these responsibilities, the Board is supported by the following sub-commmitees: Finance and Resources, Risk and Audit, Education and Standards, and Pay and Remuneration.

Core Functions of Governance

Strategic Leadership

• The Board defines the Trust’s vision and culture, sets strategic priorities, and ensures the Trust meets its charitable objectives. It determines overall strategy and agrees which responsibilities are delegated to committees and local governing boards.

Accountability and Assurance

• The Board provides robust oversight of educational performance, pupil welfare, financial management, risk, compliance, and the effective use of public funds. It also ensures that the Trust’s estates are safe, well maintained, and fit for purpose.

Engagement

• The Board maintains strategic oversight of relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring parents, schools, and communities are engaged so that decision-making is informed and transparent.

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Local Governing Boards

Local Governing Bodies (LGB) are established by the Trust Board and operate as its committees. Trustees delegate key responsibilities to each LGB, enabling them to challenge and support the quality of provision and the educational outcomes within their academy. LGBs also manage complaints, disciplinary matters, and exclusion panels in line with Trust and academy policies.

LGBs play a vital role in supporting and challenging academy leadership while strengthening relationships between academies, parents, and local communities. Governors monitor standards, safeguarding, behaviour, and culture within their academies, providing assurance to the Board of Trustees. They also act as an essential communication link between the school community and the Trust.

View our Local Governing Bodies at each academy:

 

Declarations and Probity

All Members, Trustees and Governors are required to complete annual declarations of business and pecuniary interests and to disclose any relevant interests during meetings, in line with the Trust’s governance and ethical standards.

Scheme of Delegation

The Trust’s Scheme of Delegation sets out clearly how responsibilities and decision-making powers are shared between Members, the Board of Trustees, its committees and Local Governing Bodies. It specifies which functions remain with the Board, and which are delegated to other tiers of governance.

Statutory Information

Full statutory information relating to governance, including the Scheme of Delegation and Published Interests, can be found on our Statutory Information page.