--- title: "Steve - Keystone Knowledge - Blog" description: "Stephen is an experienced leader in education, and the CEO of Keystone Knowledge. He has worked as CEO, CFO, COO across academies since 2012 and delivered programmes of change and rapid organisational improvement. He holds an MBA with a thesis on improving the quality of management in education, is currently working on his Doctorate, and is a national lead assessor on the School Resource Management Advisor (SRMA) programme for the DfE. He regularly speaks at national conferences on a range of topics relevant to the education sector.   " url: "https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve" date: "2026-05-23T19:49:34+00:00" language: "en-GB" --- [ Categories ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories "Categories") [ Tags ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags "Tags") [ Authors ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger "Authors") [ Archives ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/archive "Archives") [ Categories: All Categories ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0); "Categories") Search...Suggested keywords [ x ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ![Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/927_Steve_Mitchell_Author_Bio.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) ## [Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve?format=feed&type=rss) Stephen is an experienced leader in education, and the CEO of Keystone Knowledge. He has worked as CEO, CFO, COO across academies since 2012 and delivered programmes of change and rapid organisational improvement. He holds an MBA with a thesis on improving the quality of management in education, is currently working on his Doctorate, and is a national lead assessor on the School Resource Management Advisor (SRMA) programme for the DfE. He regularly speaks at national conferences on a range of topics relevant to the education sector. [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ca/LinkedIn_logo_initials.png/600px-LinkedIn_logo_initials.png?20140125013055) ![](https://londonsport.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/twitter-x-logo-101C7D2420-seeklogo.com_.png)](https://X.com/imstevemitchell) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-gag-pooling) ## [The Pros and Cons of GAG Pooling](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-gag-pooling) In academy finance, GAG pooling is now an important topic of discussion for multi-academy trusts (MATs). Pooling was once seen as a niche or controversial practice. Now, it is a key way strong trusts manage their resources and plan for growth. What is GAG pooling? Why is it becoming popular? What should trust leaders think about as they deal with t... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-gag-pooling) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 775 Hits Tuesday, 11 November 2025 [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/927_Steve_Mitchell_Author_Bio.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/great-mat-governance) ## [What Great MAT Governance Looks Like in 2025 - A Practical Guide for Trustees](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/great-mat-governance) In the past few years, we've seen a shift in the way schools operate, with more schools evolving and transitioning into academies and trusts. The onus of effective governance throughout this transition is on the directors and board of trustees, whose responsibilities go beyond meeting organisational and education laws. MAT trustees are expected to ... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/great-mat-governance) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1048 Hits Wednesday, 16 July 2025 [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/927_Steve_Mitchell_Author_Bio.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/formal-disciplinary-action-schools) ## [How to Navigate Formal Disciplinary Processes in Your School or Trust](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/formal-disciplinary-action-schools) Managing people is one of the most sensitive and challenging responsibilities in school leadership. Whether you're addressing staff misconduct, safeguarding concerns, or persistent underperformance, complex HR cases in education can quickly escalate and increase legal, reputational, and operational risks to your school or trust. Disciplinary action... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/formal-disciplinary-action-schools) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1051 Hits Tuesday, 08 July 2025 [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/927_Steve_Mitchell_Author_Bio.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/keeping-children-safe-in-education-2025) ## [Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025: What’s New and What You Need to Do](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/keeping-children-safe-in-education-2025) The Department for Education (DfE) has released the 2025 draft of the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance, which comes into effect on 1 September 2025. This statutory document is essential reading for all schools, colleges, and education providers in England. While this year's update is described as containing only te... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/keeping-children-safe-in-education-2025) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 3026 Hits Tuesday, 08 July 2025 [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/927_Steve_Mitchell_Author_Bio.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/mat-finance-benchmarking) ## [MAT Finance Benchmarking: What the Top 10% of Trusts Are Doing Differently](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/mat-finance-benchmarking) We all recognise that benchmarking matters, but without action, it's just numbers on a page. The top-performing MATs—the ones consistently in that top 10%—don't treat benchmarking as a tick-box exercise. They use it to shape strategic decisions and drive meaningful change. In our recent blog, Benchmarking Financial Health: A Key Tool in Due Diligen... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/mat-finance-benchmarking) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1022 Hits Friday, 04 July 2025 [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/927_Steve_Mitchell_Author_Bio.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/academy-trust-handbook-2025) ## [Academy Trust Handbook 2025 — What You Need to Know](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/academy-trust-handbook-2025) The Academy Trust Handbook 2025 has now been published. While there are no major policy overhauls, several key updates provide important clarity for trust leaders. This summary sets out what has changed and what school trusts need to be aware of from 1 September 2025. Summary of Changes to the 2025 Academy Trust Handbook No significant policy shift... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/academy-trust-handbook-2025) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1356 Hits Thursday, 26 June 2025 [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/927_Steve_Mitchell_Author_Bio.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/internal-audit-benefits) ## [Is Internal Scrutiny Adding Real Value to Your Academy Trust?](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/internal-audit-benefits) Internal scrutiny is usually seen as a mere compliance exercise, but it's more than a regulatory obligation. These education audits have a strategic intent, with the ability to drive improvement, accountability, and value for money across your academy trust's operations. Ideally, when done right, internal scrutiny should improve the governance, ope... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/internal-audit-benefits) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 963 Hits Tuesday, 24 June 2025 [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/927_Steve_Mitchell_Author_Bio.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/financial-benchmarking-schools) ## [Benchmarking Financial Health: A Key Tool in Due Diligence for Schools and Trusts](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/financial-benchmarking-schools) As schools and trusts grow and undergo changes, financial due diligence has become an invaluable exercise. Especially when budgets are tight, knowing how your school or trust stacks up financially is essential. Benchmarking is an impactful tool, providing leaders and governors with a clearer picture of how money is being spent, what is working, and... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/financial-benchmarking-schools) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1610 Hits Wednesday, 18 June 2025 [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/927_Steve_Mitchell_Author_Bio.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/procurement-services-schools) ## [Public Sector Procurement for Schools – What’s Changing in 2025](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/procurement-services-schools) 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... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/procurement-services-schools) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1228 Hits Wednesday, 21 May 2025 [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/927_Steve_Mitchell_Author_Bio.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/mat-financial-planning-strategy) ## [Strategic Financial Planning for Multi-Academy Trusts: Short, Medium & Long-Term Horizons](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/mat-financial-planning-strategy) 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... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/mat-financial-planning-strategy) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1100 Hits Wednesday, 21 May 2025 [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/927_Steve_Mitchell_Author_Bio.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/financial-strategies-forecasting-academies) ## [Key Strategies for Budgeting and Forecasting in MATs](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/financial-strategies-forecasting-academies) 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, ... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/financial-strategies-forecasting-academies) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1792 Hits Thursday, 01 May 2025 [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/927_Steve_Mitchell_Author_Bio.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/financial-planning-schools) ## [5 Essential Steps for Multi-Year Financial Planning in Academy Trusts](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/financial-planning-schools) 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... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/financial-planning-schools) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1267 Hits Wednesday, 23 April 2025 [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/927_Steve_Mitchell_Author_Bio.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/internal-scrutiny-education) ## [Internal Scrutiny for Academy Trusts - Are You Measuring What Really Matters?](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/internal-scrutiny-education) 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... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/internal-scrutiny-education) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1371 Hits Tuesday, 15 April 2025 [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/927_Steve_Mitchell_Author_Bio.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/case-study-robert-carre) ## [Going Beyond the Audit: How Keystone Drove Strategic Growth at Robert Carre Trust](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/case-study-robert-carre) Explore how Keystone's tailored internal scrutiny approach provided strategic clarity, increased confidence, and invaluable guidance for sustainable growth at Robert Carre Trust. The Client Robert Carre Trust is a multi-academy trust compromising two schools: Carre's Grammar School and Kesteven and Sleaford High School. Both institutions share a co... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/case-study-robert-carre) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1255 Hits Tuesday, 01 April 2025 [Case Studies](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/case-studies) [ ![Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/927_Steve_Mitchell_Author_Bio.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/case-study-school-operations-owls-academy-trust) ## [Unlocking Potential: Streamlining Operations at OWLS Academy Trust](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/case-study-school-operations-owls-academy-trust) Explore how Keystone's expertise and tailored solutions alleviated administrative burdens, streamlined processes, and provided invaluable guidance for sustainable growth. The Client OWLS Academy Trust is a multi-academy trust compromising nine primary schools in the Leicestershire area. Dedicated to providing high-quality education, OWLS Acad... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/case-study-school-operations-owls-academy-trust) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1177 Hits Tuesday, 25 February 2025 [Case Studies](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/case-studies) [ ![Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/927_Steve_Mitchell_Author_Bio.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/health-and-safety-compliance-basics-for-academy-trusts) ## [Health and Safety Compliance Basics for Academy Trusts: A Simple Guide](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/health-and-safety-compliance-basics-for-academy-trusts) 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 ... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/health-and-safety-compliance-basics-for-academy-trusts) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1220 Hits Tuesday, 25 February 2025 [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/927_Steve_Mitchell_Author_Bio.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/proactive-risk-management-checklist) ## [10 Steps to Build Resilient Schools: A Proactive Risk Management Checklist](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/proactive-risk-management-checklist) 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... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/proactive-risk-management-checklist) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1245 Hits Wednesday, 05 February 2025 [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/927_Steve_Mitchell_Author_Bio.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/employment-law-changes-2025-uk) ## [Employment Law Update 2025 for UK Schools and MATs](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/employment-law-changes-2025-uk) 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... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/employment-law-changes-2025-uk) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1288 Hits Wednesday, 05 February 2025 [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/927_Steve_Mitchell_Author_Bio.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/working-with-your-internal-scrutiny-partner-a-guide-for-academy-trusts-1) ## [Working With Your Internal Scrutiny Partner: A Guide for Academy Trusts](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/working-with-your-internal-scrutiny-partner-a-guide-for-academy-trusts-1) 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... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/working-with-your-internal-scrutiny-partner-a-guide-for-academy-trusts-1) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1197 Hits Tuesday, 28 January 2025 [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/927_Steve_Mitchell_Author_Bio.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/procurement-reform-a-guide-for-schools-and-trusts-1) ## [Procurement Reform: A Guide for Schools and Trusts](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/procurement-reform-a-guide-for-schools-and-trusts-1) 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... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/procurement-reform-a-guide-for-schools-and-trusts-1) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1855 Hits Tuesday, 28 January 2025 [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/927_Steve_Mitchell_Author_Bio.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [ First Page ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ Previous Page ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ 1 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ 2 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve?start=20) [ Next Page ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve?start=20) [ Last Page ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve?start=20) ## Schema ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://keystoneknowledge.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Resources", "item": "https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Authors", "item": "https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Steve", "item": "https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve.md" } ] } ```