At Westcountry Schools Trust (WeST), our strategic priorities are structured around DfE’s 5 pillars of quality for multi- academy trusts as set out in the DfE’s Commissioning high-quality trusts. The Governance and Leadership pillar is described as “Leadership that anchors the Trust strategy, clarity of structures, accountability and communication” 

WeST Governance and Leadership 2023-28 Strategy 

The WeST governance strategy for 2023-2028 emphasises strong central leadership, effective communication, and a commitment to local governance. The Trust's core values of collaboration, aspiration, integrity, and compassion are woven into its governance approach to drive success and improve outcomes for all children. WeST's governance supports schools through clear communication, transparent accountability, and strategic improvement efforts. Schools retain their individuality while sharing a common purpose to achieve the best outcomes.  

Trustees ensure objectives are met, monitor school performance, and oversee financial and legal compliance. The Trust adopts an outward-facing approach, engaging with partners and stakeholders to contribute to the public good and develop collaborative solutions. WeST's school improvement principles focus on evidence-based teaching, respecting individual school identities, and being resourceful, responsive, relentless, and resilient in pursuing improvement. 

By embracing these values and governance focus, WeST aims to deliver life-changing education and enhance the well-being of all children and young people within its schools. 

The Role of Members, Trustees & HAB Members in a Multi Academy Trust

A Multi Academy Trust is where a number of schools join together and form a single entity with a Board of Trustees answerable to the Trust's Members.  

Members 

Members are appointed to make sure that the Trust is fulfilling its aims, following its vision and abiding by the law. WeST has four Members of which no more than one can be a trustee and none can be employees of the Trust. They are ultimately responsible for the MAT achieving its charitable objectives, make sure that the Trust is fulfilling its aims, following its vision and abiding by the law. They agree the Articles of Association and have the power to appoint and remove trustees.  

Trustees 

The Board of Trustees of Westcountry Schools Trust are the legal governors and trustees of the Trust. They are strategic in ensuring the objectives are upheld, monitoring the effectiveness of individual schools, ensuring schools are performing to the best of their ability and that they receive the support they require. Trustees oversee financial security and check that the Trust is legally compliant.   

WeST Hub Advisory Board Members (HABs)

Local governance, through Hub Advisory Board (HABs), plays a crucial role in the governance structure of the WeST.  HABs add significant value to WeST's governance, ensuring that the Trust's vision and values are realised at the local level, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and supporting the continuous improvement of its schools. 

• Enhancing Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication between various levels of governance and leadership is a cornerstone of WeST's governance model. HABs facilitate this by ensuring that local governors understand how their roles interface with school leadership and the Trust Board. This seamless flow of key documentation, information, and messages enhances collaboration and coherence across the Trust. 

• Representing Stakeholder Voices: HABs ensure that the voices of stakeholders, including parents/carers, pupils, and the wider community, are heard and considered in decision-making processes. This representation helps to align the Trust's actions with the needs and expectations of the communities it serves. 

• Providing Local Insight and Oversight: HAB members get to know the schools within their hub, including visiting schools occasionally and understanding the communities around them. This local insight allows HAB members to provide valuable oversight and ensure that the Trust's governance is informed by a deep understanding of the specific contexts and needs of each school. 

• Supporting Safeguarding and SEND: Specialist roles within HABs, such as Safeguarding Champions and SEND Champions, ensure that the Trust meets its statutory duties regarding safeguarding and SEND. These members work alongside headteachers and designated leads to support the development of a 'culture of safeguarding' and ensure that the needs of pupils with SEND are met effectively.  This commitment to inclusivity and equity ensures that all pupils are well-prepared for the next stage of their education and adult life. 

Current HAB Structure 

Currently, all schools are a member of one of 5 HABs. Further details of the HAB structure can be found HERE and details of the HAB members can be found HERE. 

Evaluating and continually improving Governance Models 

WeST is committed to evaluating the efficacy and sustainability of the HAB model over time. This ongoing evaluation allows the Trust to make necessary adjustments and adaptations to ensure that the governance model remains effective and responsive to the needs of its schools and communities. Trustees have requested a review of the HAB structure during 2024-25 for approval at Trust Board in May 2025.  The revised WeST governance structure will be communicated to all stakeholders during the Summer term and will be launched 1 September 2025. 

Volunteer in local governance to support our communities 

This is an exciting time to join local governance at WeST to support all children, families and staff at our 31 schools. If you are interested in hearing more about our local governance and keen to get involved, please complete this brief Expression of Interest form and our Governance and Compliance Lead will be in touch for an informal conversation. 

Final minutes of the WeST Trust Board are available on request from the Clerk to the Trust Board.  

Please find below a table showing Trustee resignations. 

Please find below a table showing Member resignations.