Finance policy (academies): how to and examples

If you're writing or reviewing your finance policy, get advice on how to go about it, and see examples of policies from other academies.

Last reviewed on 7 January 2025
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 41571
Contents
  1. Use statutory guidance to structure your policy
  2. Treat the document as a whole-business manual
  3. Consult with stakeholders
  4. Communicate the policy to relevant staff 
  5. See examples of finance policies from other schools

Use statutory guidance to structure your policy

This should include:

  • The Academy Trust Handbook – to develop a policy that covers aspects of finance in a workable order. Cross-reference your procedures with the handbook, and pay particular attention to section 2 of the handbook, which covers your main financial requirements
  • The list of questions in the financial management and governance self-assessment – to help you to cover most of the financial requirements you must comply with. Make sure you consider how you would answer the questions when writing your policy

Treat the document as a whole-business manual

You should look at your policy as more than just a financial document.

Use your policy to cover areas such as:

  • Your school's decision-making structure, outlining the roles of different responsible groups
  • Business ethics
  • Financial planning and administration
  • Ordering and purchasing
  • Payroll
  • Insurance and risk management
  • School security
  • Asset management

You could also include your policies on:

It's good practice to do this when writing