Governance Support

Specialist, high quality advice to support Governors.


We offer a specialist advice and support service for senior leaders, trustees and governors. The service provides a robust framework for governance that can be used to set the strategic direction for the school or academy, monitor progress against the strategic vision and ensure that the operational governance processes are bothefficient and effective.

Strong governance is a key part of a successful school or academy. Trustees and governors have a vital role to play in setting the strategic direction for the school or academy, holding the head teacher and senior leaders to account for all aspects ofschool performance and ensuring financial health, integrity and value for money.

Our extensive experience of working with maintained schools, multi-academy trustsand single-academy trusts makes us uniquely qualified to provide tailored support that fits the context of each school or academy.

We offer a range of services to ensure the board of trustees or governing body provides effective teamwork that helps to deliver the very best outcomes for pupils.


  • Independent and expert governance advice and support to multi-academy trusts, single-academy trusts and maintained schools
  • Induction training and support
  • Regular briefings and information sharing
  • Access to a governance network for in-house clerks
  • Support, training and development for new clerks
  • Governance self-evaluation reviews and dynamic action planning for improvement aligned to achieving realistic and secure outcomes
  • Annual governance health checks
  • Skill audits undertaken with bespoke analysis and recommendations provided for your board to consider and act upon
  • Bespoke training and development linked to individual and group specific needs
  • Trustee recruitment and matching service


“ Since conversion to academy status in 2011 and then to a MAT in 2013, we have developed an excellent partnership with the Avec team who support Carmel Education Trust. Their range ofexperience and qualifications are broad and diverse, enabling us to access support at all levelsfor all aspects of school and trust management. Flexibility, ‘can-do’ attitude and a professional approach have created an environment where deadlines are met and standards are high.
Directors Sarah Monk and Julie Sowerby combine strong business qualifications and expertise with current educational knowledge and lead a team who are experts in their individual fields.They have supported us through a number of processes, recognising and being sensitive at all times to the unique nature of our Catholic Trust. I recommend unreservedly the services of Avec to any school or trust looking for professional support services that are school focussed. ”

Maura Regan OBE DL, Chief Executive Officer, Carmel Education Trust,Darlington and Stockton.

Latest News

North East Academies Conference

Last week our directors attended the Schools North East Academy Conference.  Lots of interest in our services today at SNE Academies Conference in particular HR and MAT Development.  Why not contact us for a chat about what we can offer your… Read More >

Schools North East Patrons Dinner 15th March 2018

We are looking forward to the annual Schools North East Patrons Dinner on Thursday 15th March 2018 at The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle.  More details can be found here: http://www.schoolsnortheast.com/m/patrons-dinner/ Read More >

Christmas Greetings

On behalf of everyone at Avec, we would like to wish you a very happy holiday. We look forward to working with you in the coming year! Merry Christmas! Read More >