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LDBS Academies Trust

LOCAL GOVERNING BODIES

 

Composition

Each of our schools have their own Local Governing Bodies ('LGBs'), which normally consists of the following persons:

  • The Headteacher
  • The Deputy Headteacher
  • Two parent members
  • One staff member
  • The Vicar of the local Church(es)
  • Four Governors nominated by the school 

Appointment

All LGB governors are appointed by the Board of Directors of the Trust.

The Chair of the LGB will normally be drawn from the governors of the LGB and appointed by the Board of Directors.

Scheme of Delegation

The decision-making powers of each LGB are defined in the Trust's Scheme of Delegation. The Scheme of Delegation details the authority delegated from the Board of Directors of the Trust to each LGB. It is reviewed and approved annually by the Board of Directors.

The LGBs are responsible for holding their school's Leadership Team to account over school improvement, pupil support, finances, premises, resources management, religious education and collective worship. The LGBs are also responsible for setting the admission criteria for their school. 

Values

All the schools in the LDBS Academies Trust and LDBS Academies Trust 2 are Church of England Schools.  Neither Trust imposes any particular individual values on its schools, but encourages the LGB of its schools to adopt those Christian values that are most relevant to their school and local environment.

The following Christian values guide all our schools, and have been adopted by our LGBs, whether explicitly as part of the stated school values or implicitly as guidance for their own behaviour and school culture: 

  • Reverence
  • Thankfulness
  • Humility
  • Endurance
  • Service
  • Trust
  • Peace
  • Forgiveness
  • Friendship
  • Justice
  • Hope
  • Creation
  • Koinonia (Partnership).

 

Becoming a Local Governing Body Member

School governors play a crucial role in supporting progressive school improvement and fostering the character of Church of England schools. This position offers immense satisfaction but comes with substantial responsibilities. Therefore, the LDBS Academies Trust and LDBS Academies Trust 2 take great care in selecting individuals who meet the criteria for dedication, competencies, and personal circumstances.

 

The Role of a Local Governing Body Governor

Serving as a Local Governing Body (LGB) Governor is a wonderful way to contribute to and bolster a Church school. The LDBS Academies Trust and LDBS Academies Trust 2 have an impressive combined cohort of nearly 80 LGB members appointed across our 10 schools in London. These volunteers have a significant impact, and the schools rely heavily  on their contributions.  Many of our governors view their service as an expression of their own Christian devotion and commitment to serving others.

In LDBS Academies Trust and LDBS Academies Trust 2 schools, LGB Governors bear the responsibility of:

  • Ensuring a clear Christian vision, ethos, and strategic direction.
  • Holding the headteacher accountable for staff performance and the school's educational outcomes.
  • Ensuring prudent financial management.

LDBS Academies Trust and LDBS Academies Trust 2-appointed LGB Governors have a special obligation to ensure that their school aligns with the faith and practices of the Church of England while preserving and nurturing the Christian ethos of the institution.

 

Your Commitment

LDBS Academies Trust and LDBS Academies Trust 2 LGB Governors pledge to:

  • Uphold and advance the Diocese of London's vision for children and young people within the school context.
  • Promote the principles of good governance within the school.
  • Dedicate adequate time to attend meetings, training sessions, engage in background reading, and occasionally visit the school during school hours.

LAC member Code of Conduct - version October 2025

 

Your Skills, Experience, and Knowledge

LDBS Academies Trust and LDBS Academies Trust 2 Governors possess: 

  • A strong commitment to the school, its leadership, and the community.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • The ability to offer supportive challenges, ask questions, and analyse effectively.
  • Proficiency in literacy, numeracy, and fluency in the English language.
  • Relevant skills, experience, and knowledge to contribute to the school's effective governance and success. These competencies may encompass:
  1. Understanding the legal and policy framework governing schools.
  2. Analysing performance data.
  3. Budgeting and ensuring financial efficiency.
  4. Overseeing performance management.
  5. Managing school premises.
  6. Handling employment issues, including grievances.
  7. Driving school improvement.
  8. Addressing children's welfare and social care.
  9. Focusing on mental health and well-being.
  10. Promoting community involvement.

Your Circumstances

LDBS Academies Trust and LDBS Academies Trust 2 Governors must meet specific criteria:

  • Be members of a Christian church.
  • Comply with safeguarding requirements, including an enhanced DBS check.
  • Provide two positive references from a headteacher, Chair of Local Governing Body, member of the clergy, or a professional acquaintance (references from friends are not accepted).
  • Not be disqualified from serving as a governor 
  • Serve a four-year term, with the possibility of renewal upon mutual agreement.
  • While priority is given to applicants who are communicant members of a Church of England church or a church in communion with it, applications are also welcome from members of other churches affiliated with Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, the Evangelical Alliance, or the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches.

The LDBS Academies Trust and LDBS Academies Trust 2 actively seek candidates from underrepresented ethnic groups in the UK to enhance the cultural diversity of our LGBs.

Parents and school staff can make exceptional LGB Governors. However, the LDBS Academies Trust does not appoint parents to the LGB of the school their child attends. Current parents are encouraged to run for election as parent LGB Governor in their child's school or apply to become LGB Governor at a different school in LDBS Academies Trust or LDBS Academies Trust 2.

Similarly, members of school staff can excel as LGB Governors, gaining valuable experience for future leadership roles. However, neither the LDBS Academies Trust nor the LDBS Academies Trust 2 appoints staff to the LGB of the school where they are employed. Staff members are encouraged to stand for election as staff LGB Governors or apply to become LGB Governors  members at other schools of the LDBS Academies Trust or LDBS Academies Trust 2.

If you are interested in becoming an LDBS Academies Trust LGB member, please fill in the following online application form:

LAC Member Application Form

     

 

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