How to review your operating model

Your operating model sets out the functions of your trust and how they're delivered. Use our tools to evaluate your current model and find out how to design and implement any changes you need to make your processes more effective.

Last reviewed on 25 February 2025
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 44248
Contents
  1. What's an operating model?
  2. Use our tools to review your functions
  3. Develop your design principles
  4. See examples of trust structures based on design principles
  5. Tips for implementing change

What's an operating model?

An operating model is a way of setting out all the functions of your trust. For example:

  • Managing finances
  • Supporting your workforce
  • Managing your estates
  • Driving school improvement

Within each function sits a range of processes. So, in terms of managing finance, this will include processes such as budget planning, reporting and cash and asset management.

Your operating model will help you to evaluate these functions and consider:

  • What is it aiming to achieve?
  • Does it sit at school level or trust level?
  • What people, systems and processes do we need in order to deliver it?
  • How is it managed and governed?
  • How do we know if it’s working well?

In short, an operating model lets you see the sum of the parts of your trust and see how they're connected.

Use our tools to review your functions

High level review – is appropriate for smaller trusts, or to help