Our Central Services Team works closely with the schools in our trust. We offer comprehensive, yet flexible assistance with day-to-day operations, finance, human resources and school improvement.
Our friendly, professional and highly-qualified Central Services Team provides advice and practical support to every school within the Trust.
We also implement strategic decisions agreed by the Trustees.
Our Teams
Finance
Our finance team supports our schools by:
• Taking monthly and quarterly reports, preparing management accounts and making VAT returns
• Providing budget support, assistance and training to help business managers
• Assisting with reports for local committees
• Assisting with annual budget formulation, ensuring all funding from ESFA is correct and received in a timely manner
• Managing all cash flow and investments
• Setting a programme of internal and external audit, facilitating, reviewing and acting upon the findings
• Taking the lead on data management and ensuring compliance in respect to legal, ESFA and Trust requirements
• Seeking best value for all our schools, conducting regular reviews of contracts and services to reduce costs
Payroll
Our finance team also takes care of all matters relating to payroll and the administration of pension schemes. With expert knowledge and experience, we ensure compliance with HMRC legislation, pension schemes rules and current employment law. The service we provide is flexible, and can be tailored to the unique needs of every school.
Human Resources
Good practice in HR is not just about ensuring compliance with legislation. Instead, it’s about helping each member of our team achieve their full potential. It will also help us to achieve our goal of becoming an education employer of choice.
We offer our schools advice and assistance with a wide range of HR issues relating to recruitment, absence, disciplinary/grievance/capability cases, performance management, staff records, maternity/paternity, staff policies/procedures, and freedom of information (FOI) requests.
Facilities
We offer full support and responsibility for the management and implementation of health and safety across the Trust. We also provide help with facilities management, capital project works, and the development of rolling maintenance plans and building repairs.
Administration
Marketing and Communications
Our marketing team bring a wealth of experience and creativity to our Trust, offering support in a range of areas, including:
- Photography/videography: attendance at key events, images and video for school use
- Graphic design: logos, branding, signage, banners/posters, prospectuses, presentation resources
- Website: compliance, design, amendments, communication support
- Social media: administrative support, event coverage, graphics, campaigns, compliance
Central Administration
Our central administration team helps with:
- SEN administration support for EHCP plans
- Secretarial support provided to the Trust/Directors
- Experience of academisation
- Legal support available
- Admissions/appeals support
Could we help your school?
If you are considering joining a Trust, please do get in touch. We would welcome the chance to talk to you about how we could support your school.