Governance at The Rivers CofE Academy Trust 2022 – 2023

In response to the changing governance needs of a multi-academy trust and the recent external governance review carried out across the trust, The Rivers CofE Academy Trust launched its innovative and sector-leading governance structure in September 2022.

The structure consists of the following advocate roles at a local school level:

• Head Teacher Advocate – to seek assurance that the head is listened to, supported and challenged
• Pupil Experience Advocate – to seek assurance that pupils are listened to, feel safe in school and are successful learners
• Community Advocate – to seek assurance that the school engages positively with its key stakeholders and local community

The aim of our governance structure is to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the different governance tiers in order to avoid duplication, strengthen communication between governance tiers and maximise the use of the skills, knowledge and expertise of everyone within the governance team. Pupils remain at the core of all decision-making. 

Trustees recognise the importance of the local voice and are committed to ensuring that the local level contributes to the development of organisational thinking. The election of two parent/carer representatives as advocates per school ensures that the voice of parents/carers contributes to decisions made at trust board level. 

• Head Teacher Advocate – Mrs Makepeace
• Pupil Experience Advocate – Mrs S Poole and Mrs K Sewell
• Community Advocate - Mrs S Mills and Mrs L Bennett

If you wish to contact one of our school advocates, please email the school office on hwoffice@riverscofe.co.uk and mark FAO Mrs Makepeace - Head Teacher Advocate. to

Advocate and Link Trustee Meetings - 2023-2024

For more information on our school's governance, please see our policies page.