How to write your scheme of delegation

Your MAT is required to have a scheme of delegation that shows who does what in your trust's governance structure. Follow our tips on what to include and what to consider when writing your scheme or giving it an annual review, with examples of how other trusts have written theirs.

Last reviewed on 7 April 2022
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 40725
Contents
  1. Requirements
  2. Who creates the scheme of delegation?
  3. Clarify the role and responsibilities of all stakeholders
  4. Have detailed lines of accountability so there's no ambiguity
  5. Adapt it to your trust 
  6. Review it regularly 
  7. Train everyone up once the scheme is in place
  8. Writing a scheme: case studies
  9. Examples from other trusts
  10. Template scheme for church schools

Requirements

Your trust must:

  • Create a scheme of delegation which sets out the structure and remit of your board of trustees and its committees, including local governing bodies (LGBs), as well as the full names of the chair of each 
  • Publish the scheme directly to your website (not on a separate, downloadable document)

This is explained on pages 70 to 71 of the Governance Handbook.

Who creates the scheme of delegation?

The scheme of delegation will be a joint effort, typically written by:

  • The trustees
  • The governance lead and/or CEO

Consult your stakeholders

When writing or reviewing your scheme, consult stakeholders so they don't feel like you've imposed it on them. In particular, get feedback from your:

  • Central team
  • School headteachers
  • Chairs of LGBs

These can provide a valuable range of different perspectives. 

Read the case studies further down in the article for examples of this.

This includes your trust

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