Like a puppet on a string … exploring Headteachers' perceived demise of Local Governing Bodies within an English Multi-Academy Trust. (January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vinall, Caroline
• Other Names: Oberholzer Lizana guest-editor.; Hill Ron guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Management in education. Volume 36:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 25
• Page End: 33
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Subjects: Governance -- multi-Academy Trusts -- system Leadership -- local Governing Bodies -- accountability; School management and organization -- Periodicals; 371.2005
• DOI: 10.1177/08920206211051474
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0892-0206

Abstract

Multi-Academy Trusts (MAT) have developed organically in England since 2010. As a result, there appears to be a lack of consistency in the interpretation of delegated responsibilities of Local Governing Bodies (LGB). In a small-scale study of Headteacher (HT) accountability within one English MAT, governance was revealed as a major cause for concern. Accountability links between HT performance management, LGBs, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Trust Board were unclear. There was a perception of a lack of upward communication and an increase in local 'rubber-stamping' of MAT strategy. It is argued that, whilst LGBs are used as a form of 'chain of command' to monitor individual schools, their actual purpose may be operational; governed and limited by the Trust Board. LGBs appear to have lost their strategic influence in the conversion from maintained school to academy. I suggest that the term 'Local Governing Body' is potentially erroneous in its nomenclature, as some LGBs merely provide a middle level of 'educational responsibility' – puppets on a string.