- Cash flow management and reporting is produced centrally. Schools are supported if progress to budget is outside of the agreed phasing. This approach reduces workload on individual schools and ensures great communication and support between central and local teams.
- The trust ensures compliance with all ESFA financial procedures. We ensure any changes are communicated to schools with appropriate guidance and support.
- Payroll and Pension services are centrally delivered, this saves time and cost at school level. In the event of queries or complex individual/legislative issues the trust team will take the lead with the support of its lawyers and payroll administrators, as needed. Leavers calculations and recruitment costs will be produced centrally, giving schools clear, concise information to make informed decisions, whilst also reducing workload.
- The central finance team, CEO, and Operations Director will support with one and three year budget forecasting and returns as well as long term financial planning linked to site development plans and operational/curriculum needs. Income and costs are reviewed regularly with benchmarking and guidance to support a balanced and effective budget.
- The trust will support with/take the lead on funding applications. We have experience and success with CIF bids, have accessed a range of funding streams from the ESFA as well as success with localised and targeted funding support. Trust teams will write and submit bids and/or commission third party support. This will save schools a significant time and allow them to draw on experience and support.
- Finance packages and support. Schools joining DMAT must need to adopt our finance packages/systems. DMAT will cover all setup and initial training costs. The Director of Finance will always be available to support with technical queries and practical applications.
- All audit costs will be covered by the trust, with support/guidance from central teams.
- Ill health liability insurance will be covered by the trust. This insurance covers all LGPS employees from the start date of employment
- Creating a team culture across our trust is a clear focus. We will facilitate DMAT-wide finance team meetings. This will be a great forum for ideas sharing, problem solving, networking and team development. To enhance and support this approach Business Managers within individual schools will have access to a variety of external professional networks and forums. Monthly school business briefings will complement the termly meetings, providing updates on key dates and any returns required, sharing information and ‘top tips