Key Questions about Multi Academy Trusts (MATs)?

  We like working with the Local Authority, will this change if we join a MAT? The Local Authority is still responsible for some statutory functions (including SEND funding, tranport and some aspects of admissions) for all schools, including academies. Local MATs (ie not large national MAT chains) tend to continue to work closely with the LA because we share a view that our responsibility is for high quality education for all children in the area. Suffolk LA in particular has a very active relationship with many MATs working in the county. This positive relationship ensures that the LA and MATs work in partnership to ensure the best for pupils. Tilian has a very strong relationship with the LA and its senior education officers. We encourage our schools to continue, and expand further, their links with the LA, because these can be useful for staff and pupils.

  HR Questions when joining a MAT How are staff contracts protected when moving to a MAT? Staff terms and conditions are protected as they transfer through TUPE. TUPE is Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations, and its purpose is to protect employees if the business in which they are employed changes hands. Its effect is to move employees and any liabilities associated with them from the old employer to the new employer by operation of law. As part of TUPE unions are involved and the MAT may put measures into the process which could be changes to existing work practices such as amount of pay, job descriptions, hours of work and salary payment e.g. the day of the month when salary is paid. Different MATs will specify different measures. What are the measures that Tilian would expect as part of the TUPE process?  Some MATs have significant measures that are applied on transfer so it is important for Governors to check this at...