Shaping a stronger future through Governance
CIT has undertaken a thorough review of its governance arrangements, working closely with trustees, governors and stakeholders to develop a structure fit for the future. The result is a modern governance model that strengthens collaboration, clarifies responsibilities and supports our vision of delivering exceptional education across all our schools.
Our Company Secretary and Governance Professional is Ana Hendrickson. You can contact Ana on 03300 585 520, or email: [email protected]
Please click the buttons below to meet our Trust Board, view our Scheme of Delegation or Articles of Association. Our Scheme of Delegation has been approved by the Board in principle and is undergoing a significant review during the Autumn Term.
How Governance Works across CIT
CIT operates a Circular Governance Model, ensuring that every Trustee contributes to every aspect of governance while developing deeper insight through an assigned portfolio.
Each Trustee holds responsibility for a strategic portfolio, working with Executive Leaders to build understanding, provide constructive challenge and strengthen Board assurance.
Circular Governance promotes shared ownership rather than isolated responsibility. Knowledge, assurance and strategic insight flow across the Board, enabling every Trustee to contribute to informed decision-making across all areas of the Trust.
The result is a Board that is more connected, more resilient and more accountable – where individual expertise strengthens collective governance, and collective responsibility remains at the heart of every decision.
The Role of our Members
The members are akin to the shareholders of a company. They have ultimate control over the academy Trust, with the ability to appoint some of the Trustees and the right to amend the Trust’s Articles of Association.
The Role of our Trustees
Trustees are collectively responsible for the strategic leadership, oversight and accountability of the Community Inclusive Trust (CIT). Trustees act in the best interests of the Trust and its pupils, ensuring that all schools and provisions deliver high-quality education, strong outcomes and positive life chances for children and young people.
Trustees are therefore expected to:
• Maintain visibility and understanding across all areas of Trust governance
• Understand how different aspects of the Trust interconnect
• Be able to articulate the Trust’s strategy, priorities, performance and risks to external stakeholders, including Ofsted and the Department for Education
• Avoid working in silos or relying solely on personal professional expertise
Local School Boards across CIT
The purpose of CIT’s local governance tier is to ensure that each Local School Board provides meaningful local insight, support and informed challenge at school level.
They act as advocates for their school, helping to celebrate its strengths, champion its community and ensure its context is well understood within the wider Trust. They help CIT to understand each school’s priorities and lived experience, so that assurance is rooted in what is happening for pupils, families and staff.
To strengthen their assurance role, each CIT school has designated link governors for key areas including Community, Safeguarding, Celebration, SEND, Culture and Communication. Their work ensures that local intelligence and specialist scrutiny contribute to a robust and well-informed governance framework across CIT.
Together, the Local School Board ensures:
“The school is safe, inclusive, well-communicated, and aspirational – where every pupil is supported, heard, and celebrated so they can thrive.”
Documentation
Our AGM took place on 15th December 2025 at the Community Inclusive Trust Head Offices – Warwick House, Long Bennington Business Park, NG23 5JR. Meeting minutes are available upon request.
