Governance

Being part of the GLA Trust means that our school is governed by the Trust Board. Further information about the Trust Board, governance structure and details of Trustees can be found here: https://www.glatrust.org.uk/Governance/

The GLA Governance Community:

• Safeguarding Trustee: Robert Bromberg
• SEND Trustee: Dafydd Lawday
• Health & Safety Trustee: Colin Foster

Members

Academy Trusts are founded by Members, whose role is to ensure the Trust remains true to its charitable purpose.

Members have a limited but important role. They hold the Trust Board to account for effective governance and are responsible for appointing and, where necessary, removing Trustees. They act as a safeguard, stepping in only where governance is not effective.

Trust Board

The Trust Board, led by the Chair, is the key decision-making body of the Trust and is accountable for the performance and governance of all academies within it.

Trustees are responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Trust and ensuring it delivers high-quality education for all pupils. Their core responsibilities include:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
• Holding executive leaders to account for educational performance and outcomes
• Overseeing financial performance and ensuring value for money
• Ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements
• Managing risk and safeguarding the long-term sustainability of the Trust

The Trust Board works closely with the Chief Executive Officer and senior leaders but does not become involved in the day-to-day running of schools. Instead, it focuses on long-term strategy, accountability and assurance.

Local Governance – Local Academy Boards (LABs)

The Trust Board may establish Local Governing Bodies to oversee individual academies or groups of academies. Within the GLA Trust, these are known as Local Academy Boards (LABs).

LABs play a vital role in ensuring that local voices, lived experiences and community context inform Trust-wide decision-making. Through strong relationships, open dialogue and advocacy, LABs help ensure that pupils, staff, parents and communities experience GLA schools as inclusive, aspirational and supportive places to belong.

LABs are formal committees of the GLA Trust Board, established in accordance with the Trust’s Articles of Association and Scheme of Delegation. They form the local tier of governance, complementing rather than duplicating the work of the Trust Board.

Purpose of the LAB

The LAB exists to ensure that the voice of the school community is heard, valued and reflected in decision-making. Its key roles are to:

• Provide local insight into the experiences of pupils, staff and families
• Support school leaders through informed, constructive discussion
• Act as ambassadors for both the school and the Trust
• Champion inclusion, wellbeing, belonging and a positive school culture
• Strengthen relationships between schools, families and the wider community

LABs do not have executive or operational powers and do not take part in the day-to-day management of schools. Accountability for standards, finance, staffing and compliance remains with the Trust Board and Senior Executive Team

The Churchdown Village Infant School Local Academy Board

Chair:

Position currently vacant

Members:

Emma Williams

Naomi Sayah

Hayley Hancock

Hannah Young

Kate Smith

Tom Hart

Hollie Stevens

Jade Wilce