LDBS Academies Trust

LOCAL ACADEMY COMMITTEES

 

Composition

Each of our schools have their own Local Academy Committee ('LAC'), 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 LAC Members are appointed by the Board of Directors of the Trust.

The Chair of the LAC will normally be drawn from the members of the Committee and appointed by the Board of Directors.

Scheme of Delegation

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

The LACs 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 Committees are also responsible for setting the admission criteria for their school. 

Values

All the schools in both the LDBS Academies Trust and the LDBS Academies Trust 2 are Church of England Schools.  The Trust does not impose any particular individual values on its schools, but encourages the LACs 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 LACs, 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 Academy Committee 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 takes great care in selecting individuals who meet the criteria for dedication, competencies, and personal circumstances.

 

The Role of a Local Academy Committee Member

Serving as a Local Academy Committee (LAC) Member is a wonderful way to contribute to and bolster a Church school. The LDBS Academies Trust and the LDBS Academies Trust 2 combined have an impressive cohort of nearly 80 LAC 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, LAC Members 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.

Trust-appointed LAC Members 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. There is typically a board of trustees appointed by the original members of the Academy, along with elected parent and staff representatives.

 

Your Commitment

LDBS Academies Trust and LDBS Academies Trust 2 LAC members 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 LAC Members 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 LAC Members 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 governors / LAC Chair, 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 Trust actively seeks candidates from underrepresented ethnic groups in the UK to enhance the cultural diversity of our LACs.

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

Similarly, members of school staff can excel as LAC members, gaining valuable experience for future leadership roles. However, the Trust does not appoint staff to the LAC the school where they are employed. Staff members are encouraged to stand for election as staff LAC members or apply to become Trust LAC members at other Trust schools.

If you are interested in becoming an LDBS Academies Trust or LDBS Academies Trust 2 LAC member, please fill in the following online application form:

LAC Member Application Form

     

 

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