We are proud to launch our NextGen Governance Local Tier model in 2025/26, following consultation earlier this year. This bold new approach strengthens local accountability, deepens community engagement, and embeds assurance across our trust. We are currently recruiting Community Champions in all our schools.

A pilot phase will begin in selected schools during the autumn term, allowing us to:

• test and refine the model in schools
• gather feedback from schools, champions, and stakeholders
• ensure the role reflects the diversity of our communities and delivers meaningful assurance

Our community champions will work in partnership with the headteacher and staff to ensure the school provides the best possible education and opportunities for every child.

Our local tier is made up of community champions, who focus on particular areas, to help us continually learn and improve:

• Community and Civic Champion
• Parent and Carer Champion
• Pupil Champion
• Staff Champion
• Inclusion and SEND Champion
• Safeguarding Champion
• Sustainability Champion

 

What is a community champion?

Community champions are volunteers who support our school with key aspects like wellbeing, community links or inclusion. Volunteers will represent the views of children, families, staff and communities.

These roles have been designed to be flexible to fit around work and family commitments. Just a few hours each term can make a big impact. 

As a community champion, you have the opportunity to play a vital role in shaping the future of our schools and ensuring that our learners receive an exceptional educational experience.

Our ‘local tier’ of CELT Community Champions will be represented through:

• Pupil champion
• Parent and Carer champion
• Staff champion
• Community and Civic champion
• Inclusion and SEND champion
• Safeguarding champion
• Sustainability champion

Our Community Champions will draw on expert local knowledge and insight to understand what matters most to learners, parents, carers, staff and the wider community. They will actively challenge assumptions and help ensure that the school is explicitly rooted in its community context to support in improving attendance, engagement and outcomes.

To request more information, contact our governance team.