Exploring the different approaches of multi-academy trusts and overcoming the common hurdles they face

Director, Samantha Smith is joined by Head of Capital Programmes at Star Academies, Sue Corbett and John Robinson, Director of Operations at the Rowan Learning Trust. Both bring their experiences of working at multi-academy trusts and how they manage their estates of varying sizes.

Sue and John summarise the different approaches their trusts take in prioritising the maintenance of their estate portfolio and how they fund a programme of planned maintenance. They also both outline the challenges posed when unexpected issues arise and how they overcome these.

We look at how the trusts balance the push for decarbonisation with ensuring student safety and comfort and the realities of implementing net zero carbon interventions with limited resources and budget.

And both Sue and John address how their trusts are supporting the increasing, diverse requirements of their SEND students.

In this episode, we refer to a few technical abbreviations. For those who may be unfamiliar with these we have defined them below:

• RAAC survey – Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete survey
• DfE – Department for Education
• AP Provision – Alternative Provision
• SEND – Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
• ECHP – Education, Care and Health plan
• M and E engineers – Mechanical and Electrical engineers

Different funding options:

• SCA – School Condition Allocations
• LCSF – Low Carbon Skills Fund
• FCA – Financial Conduct Authority
• PSDS – Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme
• DFC – Devolved Formula Capital
• PFI – Private Finance Initiative

Download the transcript here

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