## Due Diligence ## Take the guesswork out of growth ![Image](//keystoneknowledge.b-cdn.net/images/v3/svgs/underline-long-teal.svg) ###### Are new schools looking to join your trust? Or perhaps you're looking to collaborate with other schools? While this can bring numerous benefits, it also comes with risks, which is where we step in. [BOOK A CONSULTATION](https://www.keystoneknowledge.com/contact-us) ![Man stood in front of fellow teachers giving a morning briefing](//keystoneknowledge.b-cdn.net/images/2026/01/27/mantalkingtogroupinschool-768x768px.webp) # What we do ![Image](//keystoneknowledge.b-cdn.net/images/v3/svgs/underline-long-teal.svg) We take the stress out of detecting and classifying risks with our thorough audit process, providing you with the information you need to make wise decisions. Our professionals offer comprehensive and precise assessments for any task, including analysing staff qualifications, checking financial stability, and assessing regulatory compliance. In fact, our due diligence audits collate over 90 pieces of information, allowing us to provide you with a comprehensive picture. ### How we can help Our due diligence service gives you a complete picture of the opportunities and challenges involved in expansion, enabling you to grow sustainably and compliantly. **We provide:** ### Risk-based reviews ![Image](//keystoneknowledge.b-cdn.net/images/v3/svgs/underline-long-yellow.svg) Evidence-led analysis across finance, HR, estates, and governance. ### Financial and operational due diligence ![Image](//keystoneknowledge.b-cdn.net/images/v3/svgs/underline-long-pink.svg) Identifying liabilities, risks, and opportunities. ### Systems integration planning ![Image](//keystoneknowledge.b-cdn.net/images/v3/svgs/underline-long-teal.svg) Ensuring processes and structures are aligned for a seamless transition. ### Conversion support ![Image](//keystoneknowledge.b-cdn.net/images/v3/svgs/underline-long-yellow.svg) Step-by-step guidance throughout the practicalities of conversion and onboarding new schools. [BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION](https://www.keystoneknowledge.com/contact-us) ![Image](//keystoneknowledge.b-cdn.net/images/v3/svgs/quote-marks.svg) ### “Due diligence has helped us identify issues so they can be tackled early on; it has helped us establish the true value or cost of a school joining the trust, and the information has contributed to how the terms of the school joining have been developed.” **CEO, OWLS MULTI-ACADEMY TRUST** ![Group of 3 women smiling during a school meeting](//keystoneknowledge.b-cdn.net/images/v3/strategic-hr-support/hr-retainer-support-for-schools-and-academies.webp) ### Programme **options** ###### We offer tailored due diligence and conversion support across: ### Finance ![Image](//keystoneknowledge.b-cdn.net/images/v3/svgs/underline-long-pink.svg) - Budgeting - Forecasting - Reserves - Liabilities ### HR ![Image](//keystoneknowledge.b-cdn.net/images/v3/svgs/underline-long-teal.svg) - Staff structures - TUPE - Contracts - Workforce planning ### Governance ![Image](//keystoneknowledge.b-cdn.net/images/v3/svgs/underline-long-yellow.svg) - Compliance - Delegation - Board readiness ### Estates ![Image](//keystoneknowledge.b-cdn.net/images/v3/svgs/underline-long-pink.svg) - Condition surveys - Statutory compliance - Risk management ### Operations ![Image](//keystoneknowledge.b-cdn.net/images/v3/svgs/underline-long-teal.svg) - Systems - Processes - Policy alignment ![Male teacher stood at the front of a secondary school class](//keystoneknowledge.b-cdn.net/images/v3/internal-scrutiny/internal-scrutiny-support-for-schools.webp) ![Two women walking through school halls](//keystoneknowledge.b-cdn.net/images/v3/home/support-services-for-schools-and-mats.webp) ### Why trusts choose Keystone for **due diligence** - We're education specialists who understand the unique challenges that schools and trusts face. - We're fully aligned with DfE and sector requirements. - From single schools to large MATs, we adapt to your structure and needs. - Our advice goes beyond compliance and provides strategic insight that supports growth and overall improvement. - We provide clear, jargon-free recommendations with hands-on implementation support. - Our ongoing advisory service means we're there for you with regular updates on policy changes, sector trends, and emerging risks - helping you stay ahead of the curve. ## FAQ’s ### What areas do you cover as part of your due diligence? We cover all areas within finance, HR, governance, estates, and operations within our due diligence service. Ensuring you get the full picture. If you have any particular areas of concern, just let us know. ### Can you evaluate risks relating to funding agreements and leases? Absolutely. Our team are experienced in all areas of due diligence for schools and trusts and can evaluate and advise on any risks you may have. ### How long does a due diligence review typically take?? Our thorough report is usually compiled and returned to you within 2 weeks of us visiting the school. ### Do you liaise directly with the other school/trust, or only through us? We’ll liaise with all involved parties for the research and analysis phase, but will only present the final report to those agreed by the instructing school or trust. ### How do you charge for due diligence work? We charge a fixed, one-time fee for all due diligence contracts, and the full amount is quoted so you know there won’t be any hidden charges or extra fees later. ### What happens if additional risks are discovered and extra work is required? Should this happen, we can discuss everything with you and the options available at the time. ### Do you provide benchmarking insights from other schools/trusts? We never share any sensitive details, but we can discuss sector averages. ![Q&A icon](//keystoneknowledge.b-cdn.net/images/v3/svgs/qanda.svg) ![Smiling female teacher in a blue suit stood in hallway with a laptop](//keystoneknowledge.b-cdn.net/images/v3/strategic-hr-support/mat-strategic-hr-projects.webp) ## Ready to turn assurance into action? ###### Let’s scope the right programme for your trust. [BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION](https://www.keystoneknowledge.com/contact-us) ![Image](//keystoneknowledge.b-cdn.net/images/v3/svgs/underline-long-yellow.svg) ![Man in suit, sat at a desk, holding a clipboard](//keystoneknowledge.b-cdn.net/images/0-1136-x-714px/audit-1136x714px.png) ### Related services Strengthen governance, reduce risk, and add value beyond compliance with our in-depth internal scrutiny service. [Find out more](https://www.keystoneknowledge.com/products/internal-scrutiny)