Code of Conduct

Once this code has been adopted, all board members agree to faithfully abide by it.

Trustees: We agree to follow the charity governance code

Those governing at local level: We recognise and support the principles set out in the charity governance code

We will abide by the Principles of Public Life:

Selflessness

We will act solely in terms of the public interest.

Integrity

We will avoid placing ourselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence us in our work. We will not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for ourselves, our family, or our friends. We will declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

Objectivity

We will act and make decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.

Accountability

We are accountable to the public for our decisions and actions and will submit ourselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.

Openness

We will act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information will not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.

Honesty

We will be truthful.

Leadership

We will exhibit these principles in our own behaviour. We will actively promote and robustly support the principles and be willing to challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.

We will apply the highest standards and will:

act within our powers
promote the success of the trust
exercise independent judgement
exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence
avoid conflicts of interest
not accept benefits from third parties
declare interest in proposed transactions or arrangements

We will focus on our core governance functions

ensuring there is clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils and the performance management of staff
overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent:
ensuring the voices of stakeholders are heard

As individuals, we agree to:

Fulfil our role & responsibilities

We accept that our role is strategic and so will focus on our core functions rather than involve ourselves in day-to-day management.
We will fulfil our role and responsibilities as set out in our scheme of delegation.
We will develop, share and live the ethos and values of our trust.
We agree to adhere to trust policies and procedures.
We will work collectively for the benefit of the trust.
We will be candid but constructive and respectful when holding senior leaders to account.
We will consider how our decisions may affect the trust and local community.
We will stand by the decisions that we make as a collective.
Where decisions and actions conflict with the Seven Principles of Public Life or may place pupils at risk, we will speak up and bring this to the attention of the relevant authorities.
We will only speak or act on behalf of the trust board if we have the authority to do so.
Trustees: We will fulfil our responsibilities as a good employer, acting fairly and without prejudice.
When making or responding to complaints, we will follow the established procedures.
We will strive to uphold the trust’s reputation in our private communications (including on social media).
We will have regard to our responsibilities under The Equality Act and will work to advance equality of opportunity for all.
Those governing at local level: We will act as the local ambassadors for our trust.

Demonstrate our commitment to the role

We will involve ourselves actively in the work of the board and accept our fair share of responsibilities, serving on committees or working groups where required.
We will make every effort to attend all meetings and where we cannot attend explain in advance why we are unable to.
We will arrive at meetings prepared, having read all papers in advance, ready to make a positive contribution and observe protocol.
We will get to know the school/s well and welcome opportunities to be involved in school activities.
We will visit the school/s and when doing so will make arrangements with relevant staff in advance and observe school and board protocol.
When visiting a school in a personal capacity (for example, as a parent or carer), we will continue to honour the commitments made in this code.
We will participate in induction training and take responsibility for developing our individual and collective skills and knowledge on an ongoing basis.

Build and maintain relationships

We will develop effective working relationships with leaders, staff, parents and other relevant stakeholders from our local communities.
Those governing at local level: We will champion the voices of our school community and stakeholders.
Those governing at local level: We will establish effective working relationships with trustees.
Trustees: We will engage with and be accountable to those governing at local level.
We will express views openly, courteously and respectfully in all our communications with board members and staff both inside and outside of meetings.
We will work to create an inclusive environment where each board member’s contributions are valued equally.
We will support the chair in their role of leading the board and ensuring appropriate conduct.

Respect confidentiality

We will observe complete confidentiality both inside and outside of the trust when matters are deemed confidential or where they concern individual staff, pupils or families.

We will not reveal the details of any governing board vote.
We will ensure all confidential papers are held and disposed of appropriately.
We will maintain confidentiality even after we leave office.

Declare conflicts of interest and be transparent