How to involve pupils, parents and staff in trust development

Learn how The Compass Partnership of Schools built a thriving community where staff, pupils and parents have a say on trust development. Trust leader John Camp explains how this approach has led to high staff retention, engaged parents and pupils who feel part of something more than just their school. Find out how you can achieve this too.

Last reviewed on 21 February 2022
School types: All · School phases: All
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Contents
  1. Create a participatory culture where staff can influence the end result
  2. Give pupils and parents a voice and involve them in your decision-making
  3. Use these groups to showcase different perspectives and bring the whole trust community closer

We spoke to trust leader John Camp, and Kate Jarrett-Shorter, chief operating officer, at The Compass Partnership of Schools. The trust has 11 schools. 

Create a participatory culture where staff can influence the end result

Involve staff when setting goals and priorities

Make it clear how they can contribute to these discussions. Your aim is to make goal-setting feel co-owned and get buy-in from staff across the trust because they have meaningful input. 

Recently the trust central team at The Compass Partnership of Schools consulted staff on the trust-wide strategic plan. As a result, the trust has reshaped key priorities to focus on 'leading ethically and equitably' and 'putting people at the centre of change and development'. 

Provide opportunities for your staff to work together on a specific project with a clearly defined outcome. This helps to show them that their input drives development across your trust Clarify as

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