Working with the Diocese
The Trust values highly the collaborative and collegiate relationship it has with the Church of England Diocese of Leeds, the largest diocesan provider of Church of England schools by pupil number nationally.
As a Church majority multi academy trust, our Articles of Association, which set out how our Trust should be governed, are those designed for use in a trust containing both faith and community schools. Yorkshire Causeway is committed to the Diocesan MAT Partnership Agreement, which sets out arrangements in respect of the following:
- Vision and values
- Partnership
- Trust governance
- Leadership
- Trust quality, strength and growth
- External inspections
- Significant changes or events
Diocesan appointed representatives sit on the Trust Board and act as Members (the top tier of governance) of the Trust. All of those involved in the governance of Church schools within our Trust submit a written undertaking to the Diocese to uphold the Christian character of the school and Trust.
As a partner trust, Yorkshire Causeway plays a full and committed role in system-led school improvement and is ready and prepared to admit vulnerable Church of England schools wherever possible.
The Trust Articles of Association and the Scheme of Delegation, which sets out the roles and responsibilities that have been delegated by the Trust Board to the local governance tier, contain measures that protect the religious character of each Church school.
The Articles and the Scheme of Delegation may only be amended with the consent of the Diocese. Both documents reflect the ‘mixed’ nature of our Trust and also make specific provision for and protect the vision and values of, our community schools.
All of our Church schools subscribe to the Diocesan Enhanced Service Plan and use the support provided to help preserve and develop the Christian foundation of their school. Our community schools also work collaboratively with Diocesan colleagues who provide support in relation to the curriculum and collective worship as needed.
The Trust and the Diocese share a commitment to both our Church and community schools, working in fellowship to ensure that our pupils, staff and communities are able to flourish. You can find out more about the Diocesan Academy Strategy via the link below.