Strong governance is central to the effective leadership and accountability of MAST.

Our governance structure ensures that the Trust is strategically led, properly scrutinised and accountable for the education, safeguarding, financial management and wider performance of our schools.

Governance across MAST operates at several levels, with clear responsibilities for Members, the Board of Trustees, Board Committees and Local Governing Bodies. This structure is supported by the Trust’s Scheme of Delegation, which sets out where decision-making responsibilities sit and how accountability is maintained across the organisation.

Our Governance Structure

Members provide oversight of the Trust’s governance and ensure that the charitable objectives of MAST continue to be fulfilled.

The Board of Trustees is the Trust’s governing body. Trustees are responsible for setting the strategic direction of MAST, holding executive leaders to account and ensuring the Trust’s resources are used effectively.

Board Committees support the Board by providing more detailed scrutiny and assurance in specific areas of the Trust’s work.

Local Governing Bodies provide local oversight of individual schools, ensuring that the voice, context and needs of each school community remain an important part of Trust governance.

Local Accountability

MAST values strong local governance.

Local Governing Bodies work within the Trust’s governance framework to provide challenge, support and assurance at school level. Governors know their schools and communities well and play an important role in monitoring standards, safeguarding, inclusion, leadership and the wider life of the school.

Governance Documents

Our governance arrangements are supported by a range of formal documents, including:

• Articles of Association
• Funding Agreements
• Scheme of Delegation
• Committee Terms of Reference
• Local Governing Body Terms of Reference
• Registers of Interests
• attendance information
• other key governance documents

These can be accessed through our Governance Documents section.

Transparency and Accountability

We are committed to ensuring that our governance arrangements are clear, transparent and accessible.

Further information about our Members, Trustees, Committees, Local Governing Bodies and governance documents can be found in the pages within this section.