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Schemes of financial delegation for multi-academy trusts (MATs)

You must have a scheme of financial delegation, but what that looks like depends on how your trust manages its finances. Read expert advice, see an example of how to delegate to different roles, and view examples from other schools.

Last reviewed on 23 August 2024
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 44018
Contents
  1. You must have a written scheme of financial delegation
  2. Your MAT arrangement is the biggest consideration
  3. Delegating by role: who does what?
  4. See examples of other schemes

You must have a written scheme of financial delegation

This is set out in the Academy Trust Handbook (ATH) (see section 2.4). The scheme must: 

  • Be approved by the board of trustees
  • Maintain robust internal controls

It should be:

  • Reviewed annually
  • Reviewed immediately following a change in trust management or organisational structure

The board can't delegate overall responsibility for the trusts’ finances, and so remains responsible for any annual or immediate reviews.

Sections 2.6 and 2.7 of the same guidance (linked above) explain that your trust must have good internal controls, risk management and assurance processes that must:

  • Ensure delegated financial authorities are complied with
  • Maintain an appropriate segregation of financial duties
  • Co-ordinate the planning and budgeting process
  • Apply ‘discipline’ in the way finances are managed
  • Manage and oversee assets and maintain a fixed assets register
  • Ensure regularity, propriety and value for money
  • Make sure a risk register is maintained and reviewed
  • Reduce the risk of fraud or theft