The new Procurement Act 2023, initially scheduled to take effect from October 2024, finally came into force on 24 February 2025. This Act aims to upgrade the procurement regulations and practices by introducing more flexibility and strategic changes. With budget restrictions and increased financial scrutiny from regulators and stakeholders, your pr...

The UK's education landscape is witnessing a widespread transformation with schools, academies, and trusts trying hard to keep up with the changes. Multi-academy trust (MAT) leaders, in particular, are under increasing pressure to balance immediate needs with future financial goals. This emphasises the importance of creating a bulletproof MAT finan...

Multi-academy trusts (MATs) are under increasing pressure to maintain financial sustainability while continuing to deliver high-quality education. This is especially true in today's climate, as MATs face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies, rising operational expenses, and unsteady government funding streams. Even with ongoing uncertainties, ...

As an academy trust, planning and managing school and academy finance go beyond balancing the books. Financial planning for schools is about creating a promising future that supports your academy trust's goals, staff, and students. All this can be achieved with multi-year financial planning. This is more than just a tool for tracking money - it's a...

Internal scrutiny for schools, academies, and trusts is often seen as a compliance exercise, but it's essential for driving improvements across your academy and trust's operations. The Academy Trust Handbook (ATH) requires all academy trusts to have a programme of internal scrutiny in place to provide independent assurance on the effectiveness of r...

Implementing a new HR system is a significant investment for schools and multi-academy trusts (MATs). An HR system is responsible for streamlining school processes, complying with regulations, and improving staff management. Incorporating a school HR system has its benefits, but one of the most overlooked aspects during implementation is ensuring d...

As an academy trust, the safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors are paramount. But navigating the world of health and safety compliance can feel like a daunting task, especially with all the regulations and rules to follow. The good news? Getting it right doesn't have to be complicated! In this blog, we'll walk through the basics of ...

Change in schools is inevitable. Whether it's adapting to new government policies, implementing the latest technology, or shifting teaching approaches to better serve students, schools and trusts are always evolving. But change isn't always easy. Without the right approach to change management in schools, even the best-intended initiatives can lead...

Managing risks in schools, academies, and multi-academy trusts (MATs) isn't just about meeting compliance requirements. It's about creating a forward-looking environment where pupils and staff can thrive. At Keystone Knowledge, we understand the dynamic challenges schools face and provide the tools to build resilience and success.  Why Proacti...

Schools, academies, and multi-academy trusts (MATs) can expect a busy period of legislative change that will affect policies, budgeting, and staff welfare. While 2024 brought several important adjustments, the bigger reforms could land in 2025 if the government's proposals become law. One such key UK government reform is changes to the employment l...

As employment law continues to evolve, employers in the education sector need to stay updated on legislative changes to ensure compliance and maintain a safe working environment. A key area undergoing significant reform is harassment legislation, which introduces new preventative responsibilities for employers. The Employment Rights Bill was introd...

Effective internal scrutiny is critical for ensuring compliance, financial integrity, and strong governance within academy trusts. Whether your trust is new to internal scrutiny or seeking to enhance its current approach, working effectively with your internal scrutiny partner can deliver real value. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you maximise...

The Procurement Act 2023 represents a significant shift in how public sector organisations, including schools and trusts, manage their procurement processes. Designed to improve transparency, efficiency, and value for money, the Act introduces new requirements and opportunities that all educational institutions should understand. This guide provide...

As education institutions increasingly rely on technology to manage sensitive data and deliver effective learning outcomes, safeguarding digital infrastructure is more crucial than ever. With the rising volume of data and reliance on digital platforms, cyber security for schools has become a top priority. To add to the challenge, many trusts are no...

In the ever-evolving educational landscape, managing risks effectively is a critical responsibility for trusts. With tighter regulations in place and increasing expectations from stakeholders, adopting a tiered approach to education risk management can be a game-changer for trusts. What Is Education Risk Management? Education risk management involv...