The Future for Regional Advisory Boards

The RABs are subject to three-year terms, after which they are subject to re-election. The current three-year term is due to come to an end in September 2025. However, recent reports indicate that re-elections have not been planned, leading to speculation that RABs will be disbanded.

The Government, having already moved funding for conversion and growth projects; has also de-prioritised the academies programme with schools that were approved being informed of unspecified delays to the DfE timelines.  There is a view that the role of RABs will no longer be required with in implementation of Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) teams.

RISE teams are intended to find and commission support for “stuck” schools, and to provide universal support to all schools on four priorities around Reception year quality, attendance, inclusion and attainment. However, intervention for schools requiring improvement, including academisation, currently falls outside of the remit of RISE teams.

The changing landscape of decision making relating to academy conversion and trust growth has caused concern amongst trust leaders, particularly given the funding challenges which trusts now face. However, in many cases trust growth remains the only viable option, not only to improve schools which are struggling, but also to give schools a larger group structure, with additional resource and support at its disposal.

Many trusts are now developing new strategies to generate income to support growth, including hiring their facilities such as their school hall, gym, or theatres, to third parties. When doing so, trusts needs to be aware of key safeguarding obligations which crucially must be included in the hire facilities agreement. We can support your school to prepare agreements to ensure that they comply with the obligations set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education.