Dear Lord – Fill us with your spirit and courage so that we might bring our talents and gifts to this important work.

The members of the Local Academy Committee shall be known as Governors. The number of people who shall sit on the Local Academy Committee shall be not less than three. The Academy Committee shall consist of:

• 6 Foundation Governors
• 2 Parent Governors
• 1 Staff Governor
• The Head Teacher

In some cases local boards are given flexibility to appoint Associate Governors based on skills and experience that are identified as gaps on the board. This permission must be requested through the Trust Executive and Trust Board.

The Local Academy Committee (LAC) plays a vital role in supporting the mission and strategic direction of the Catholic Multi Academy Trust (CMAT) at a local level. Rooted in the values and teachings of the Catholic Church, the LAC serves as a key link between the individual academy, its parish community, and the wider Trust. The primary responsibilities of the LAC include:

• Faithful Stewardship and Ethos: Uphold and promote the Catholic identity, values, and mission of the academy, ensuring Gospel principles guide all aspects of school life.
• Advocacy and Governorship: Act as advocates of the Trust’s vision and strategy while serving as Governors for the local academy within the Trust, parish and wider community to build partnerships.
• Impact and Accountability: Provide local support and challenge to school leaders by monitoring standards, inclusion, safeguarding, and ensuring effective implementation of Trust policies.

The LAC operates within the governance framework established by the CMAT, with delegated responsibilities defined by the Trust LAC. Through Collaboration, faith, and service, the LAC contributes to the flourishing of each academy as a place of excellence, faith formation, and holistic development.

The Foundation Governors on the Local Academy Committee will be those appointed by the Bishop. They shall outnumber all the other members by two so as to ensure the preservation and development of the Catholic character of the Academy and the Multi-Academy Trust Company. Parent and Staff Governors are appointed by Ballot. The term of office for any person, other than a Foundation Governor, serving on the Local Academy Committee shall be 3 years, to be specified at the time of appointment by the person or body appointing them, save that this time limit shall not apply to the Headteacher. Subject to remaining eligible to be a particular type of member on the Local Academy Committee, any person may be re-appointed or re-elected to the Local Academy Committee save that Foundation Governors may only serve a maximum of three consecutive four-year terms (other than with the consent of the Bishop)

The quorum for a meeting of the Local Academy Committee, and any vote on any matter thereat, shall be any three of the members of the Local Academy Committee, or, where greater, any one third (rounded up to a whole number) of the total number of persons holding office on the Local Academy Committee at the date of the meeting. The Full Academy Committee will meet at least six times per year.