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How to approach writing/reviewing 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 when writing or reviewing your scheme, and find examples from other trusts. Plus, see how to create an Ofsted-friendly version.

Last reviewed on 9 December 2025See updates
School types: Academy•School phases: All•Ref: 40725
Contents
  1. Requirements
  2. The scheme of delegation is a joint effort
  3. Clarify the role and responsibilities of all stakeholders
  4. Have detailed lines of accountability so there's no ambiguity
  5. Adapt your scheme to your trust 
  6. Review your scheme annually
  7. Train everyone up once the scheme is in place and encourage them to revisit it regularly
  8. Consider producing an Ofsted-friendly version
  9. Writing a scheme: case studies
  10. Examples from other trusts
  11. Template scheme for church schools

Requirements

Your trust:

  • Must create a detailed scheme of delegation, which sets out the trust's governance structure and shows the delegation of decision-making and financial powers
  • Must publish this on its website, as well as a simpler scheme of delegation, including the structure and remit of the trust board, committees and local governing bodies (LGBs) and the full names of chairs
    • This must be 'readily accessible' – e.g. it should be on a webpage, without the need to download or open a separate document
  • Should review its scheme of delegation annually (and following any change in trust management or organisational structure that would impact the scheme's effectiveness)

This is explained in paragraph 1.44 and 2.4 of the Academy Trust Handbook (ATH) and section 1.1.6 and 4.3.6 of the academy trust governance guide.

The scheme of delegation is a joint effort

It's typically written by:

  • The trustees
  • The governance lead 
  • The CEO
  • The chief financial officer (CFO) will contribute to the financial parts, too 

When writing or