Why Strong Trust Governance Matters

As Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) continue to grow and evolve, strong governance is more critical than ever. Trustees and Directors are not only responsible for ensuring compliance with company and charity law—they also play a key role in securing high standards of education across all schools in the trust.
But governance in a MAT isn’t always straightforward. With multiple schools, layers of accountability, and varying performance levels, oversight can become complex and fragmented. Trustees are one step removed from day-to-day operations and must rely on local governance for assurance.
That’s why effective governance structures, clear communication, and strong relationships between trust layers are essential. Without them, trusts risk losing sight of performance, missing warning signs, and struggling to meet their strategic aims.
At Shaping Governance, we specialise in helping MATs bring clarity, confidence, and cohesion to their governance—ensuring every level of the trust is working together towards a shared vision.

Our Experience

We’re trusted by MATs across the country for one reason: we know governance inside and out.

Our CEO, Su, is a nationally recognised governance expert and a former National Leader of Governance. She has personally supported hundreds of trusts, from those in difficulty to some of the highest-performing MATs in the sector. Su governs in the academy system herself and understands the unique pressures that Trustees and Directors face.

Whether designing governance structures for new MATs or helping established trusts improve oversight and break down barriers, Su’s hands-on experience and national influence—through work with the DfE, LGA, and her sector publications—make Shaping Governance a go-to partner for MAT improvement.

Take a look at our testimonials and the impact that we make

How we help

Trustees and Directors need clarity—on compliance, performance, and the effectiveness of local governance. When a MAT grows, so do the challenges of oversight. That’s why we developed our trust-wide Shaping Governance Programme.

Since 2022, this innovative offer has helped MATs across the country:

  • Clarify roles and responsibilities across the trust, ensuring everyone—from Trustees to local governors—understands their remit and how they contribute to the trust’s success

  • Strengthen governance at every level

  • Support local governors to grow in confidence and capability

  • Improve communication and alignment between central boards and local bodies

  • Gain assurance through a combined External Review and ongoing board development

" Local governors are a vital window into each school"

Local governors are a vital window into each school, offering valuable insight and connection to day-to-day realities. Our programme helps MATs harness that potential—building trust-wide coherence while respecting local context.

It’s more than a governance review—it’s a strategic investment in your trust’s future.

Shaping Governance Programme for MATs

Other services

We also provide many more services to improve governance, such as training, clerking, mentoring, coaching and governor recruitment

find out more here.

"I had heard about Shaping Governance and Su’s reputation from colleagues within the region. I, therefore, wanted to work with Su to get her support in improving the governance of my school"

Ali Ashley, Headteacher, Hebden Green Community School

"Su is incredibly professional. The process has exceeded our expectations"

Marina Kelly, Catholic Senior Executive Leader, Holy Cross Catholic MAC

"The impact has been phenomenal!"

Andy Moor, CEO, Holy Family Catholic MAT

"Shaping Governance was the driver to improve the effectiveness of governance"

Sue Finch, Headteacher, Westminster Community Primary School

"Governors have become more focused on challenging and their responsibilities around holding to account"

Sarah Barlow, Headteacher, Adelaide School

"Shaping Governance is a great way for governors to learn, share and improve, and helped Create Learning Trust to get the most out of the role of local boards".

Sarah Woodward, CEO, Create Learning Trust

“It feels like some of the barriers between the individual governing bodies have melted. They now see themselves as part of one organisation.

“Su is incredibly professional. The process has exceeded our expectations.”

: Holy Cross Catholic MAC”

Jos Parry, Holy Cross Catholic MAC

"The impact has been phenomenal!"

Here, Andy Moor, CEO of Holy Family Catholic MAT talks about what he likes about Shaping Governance and the value it has brought to his trust and governance.