--- title: "General - Keystone Knowledge - Blog - Page 2" description: "Page 2 - Access Keystone's free shareable resources for schools and MATs." url: "https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general?start=20" date: "2026-05-23T20:04:47+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);) [ ![Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/924_keystone-knowledge-blog.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) ## [The Payroll Problems Schools Don't Talk About](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/the-payroll-problems-schools-dont-talk-about) Friday, 01 May 2026 [Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) Featured [ ![School payroll](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/198/b2ap3_large_27.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/the-payroll-problems-schools-dont-talk-about "School payroll") Payroll in schools is expected to be straightforward: staff are paid correctly, on time, every time. But in reality, it's one of the most complex and high-risk administrative functions in education - and one many schools quietly struggle to manage. Not because teams aren't capable, but because the demands have outgrown the way payroll is ... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/the-payroll-problems-schools-dont-talk-about) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 481 Hits [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ![Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/924_keystone-knowledge-blog.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) ## [​Internal scrutiny for proactive risk management](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/internal-scrutiny-for-proactive-risk-management) Wednesday, 07 February 2024 [Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Blog-banner-image-4](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/113/b2ap3_large_Blog-banner-image-4.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/internal-scrutiny-for-proactive-risk-management "Blog-banner-image-4") Internal scrutiny plays an essential part in managing risks in schools and trusts, but whilst traditional methods focus primarily on ensuring compliance with regulations and internal procedures, they often fall short in identifying and addressing hidden risks that lurk beneath the surface. This blog aims to delve deeper into the imperative of enhan... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/internal-scrutiny-for-proactive-risk-management) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1800 Hits [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ![Jenny](https://keystoneknowledge.com/media/com_easyblog/images/avatars/author.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/jenny) ## [Doing the right thing for everyone](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/doing-the-right-thing-for-everyone) Thursday, 25 November 2021 [Jenny](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/jenny) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![people-talking](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/13/b2ap3_large_people-talking.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/doing-the-right-thing-for-everyone "people-talking") The last couple of years have helped to show the general public how schools are more than 9am to 3pm providers of education to children. That they are centrepieces of communities, the facilitators of childcare that enable parents to go to work, one of the first lines in safeguarding, and essential contributors to the social development of our young... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/doing-the-right-thing-for-everyone) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1954 Hits Tags: [schools](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/schools) [work](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/work) [education professionals](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/education-professionals) [school](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/school) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ![Pippa Lloyd](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/932_pippa.JPG) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/pippa) ## [Navigating HR Challenges in Schools: Insights and Future Trends](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/navigating-hr-challenges-in-schools-insights-and-future-trends-1) Thursday, 05 September 2024 [Pippa Lloyd](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/pippa) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Navigating HR Challenges in Schools: Insights and Future Trends](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/135/b2ap3_large_Untitled-design-10.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/navigating-hr-challenges-in-schools-insights-and-future-trends-1 "Navigating HR Challenges in Schools: Insights and Future Trends") As schools prepare for the new academic year, HR strategies are more critical than ever. In a recent Keystone Knowledge webinar, Pip Lloyd, Head of HR at Keystone, shared invaluable insights into crafting effective HR strategies and navigating the evolving landscape of education. Here's a comprehensive summary of the key takeaways and actionable in... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/navigating-hr-challenges-in-schools-insights-and-future-trends-1) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1719 Hits [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ![Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/924_keystone-knowledge-blog.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) ## [Keystone's Year in Review](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/keystone-s-year-in-review) Monday, 20 December 2021 [Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Keystone Knowledge Year in Review](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/18/b2ap3_large_Year-in-Review-Blog-Post.png) The Keystone team have gone above and beyond this year. ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/keystone-s-year-in-review "Keystone Knowledge Year in Review") 2021 was a tough year for many and the Keystone staff had their share of struggles. Despite this, they went above and beyond to give our clients an exceptional service with measurable outcomes for pupils. Our vision is for every child to receive an outstanding education, underpinned by excellent school and trust management – and we like to think th... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/keystone-s-year-in-review) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 2137 Hits [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ![Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/924_keystone-knowledge-blog.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) ## [How to improve the dynamics in your meetings](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/how-to-improve-the-dynamics-within-your-meetings) Wednesday, 16 February 2022 [Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Meeting-Dynamics-Blog](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/26/b2ap3_large_Meeting-Dynamics-Blog.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/how-to-improve-the-dynamics-within-your-meetings "Meeting-Dynamics-Blog") Good meetings help get things done. They harness the skills and experience of those around the table to solve problems, ask intelligent questions and improve strategy to get things done. Bad meetings do not get things done. They waste people's time, exacerbate tension, entrench partisan behaviours and frequently cover the same ground repeatedly wit... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/how-to-improve-the-dynamics-within-your-meetings) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 2218 Hits [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ![Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/924_keystone-knowledge-blog.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) ## [Moving Beyond Compliance](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/moving-beyond-compliance) Friday, 12 November 2021 [Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Keystone Blog - Moving Beyond Compliance](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/11/b2ap3_large_Keystone-Knowledge---TwitterLinkedIn---November-2021-3.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/moving-beyond-compliance "Keystone Blog - Moving Beyond Compliance") Keeping up with the changes to school and trust legal and regulatory compliance can sometimes feel like a full-time job. Changes to the Academy Trust Handbook (formerly the Academy Financial Handbook) and other requirements can feel like they are never-ending and it's often a relief to be able to say: 'yes, we're compliant with the latest regulatio... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/moving-beyond-compliance) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1971 Hits [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ![Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/924_keystone-knowledge-blog.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) ## [The 2023 version of thinking outside the box](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/the-2023-version-of-thinking-outside-the-box) Monday, 13 February 2023 [Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![The 2023 version of 'Thinking outside the box'](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/87/b2ap3_large_Image-2023-version-of-thinking-outside-of-the-box.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/the-2023-version-of-thinking-outside-the-box "The 2023 version of 'Thinking outside the box'") "If you're don't like change, you'll like irrelevance even less." So goes a quote I read several years ago and became one of those screenshots that I keep on my phone. Brutal, but true. And as school business management continues on its inexorable curve of seemingly getting harder, it's ever more important that we can find creative ways of approach... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/the-2023-version-of-thinking-outside-the-box) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1962 Hits [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ![Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/924_keystone-knowledge-blog.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) ## [Digest of the ‘Schools’ Views On The Perceived Benefits And Obstacles To Joining A MAT’](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/digest-of-the-schools-views-on-the-perceived-benefits-and-obstacles-to-joining-a-mat) Wednesday, 08 December 2021 [Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![b2ap3_large_Keystone-Knowledge---TwitterLinkedIn---November-2021-3](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/15/b2ap3_large_b2ap3_large_Keystone-Knowledge---TwitterLinkedIn---November-2021-3.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/digest-of-the-schools-views-on-the-perceived-benefits-and-obstacles-to-joining-a-mat "b2ap3_large_Keystone-Knowledge---TwitterLinkedIn---November-2021-3") In November, the government released a report entitled 'Schools' Views on the Perceived Benefits and Obstacles to Joining a Multi-Academy Trust.' The research comes from 700 schools across the UK. 300 of these have either joined or set up a MAT within the last 3 years, 300 are maintained by the local authority and are not interested in joining... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/digest-of-the-schools-views-on-the-perceived-benefits-and-obstacles-to-joining-a-mat) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 2159 Hits [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ![Jenny](https://keystoneknowledge.com/media/com_easyblog/images/avatars/author.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/jenny) ## [7 steps to effective Internal Scrutiny (part 1)](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/7-steps-to-effective-internal-scrutiny) Wednesday, 17 May 2023 [Jenny](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/jenny) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![7 steps to effective internal scrutiny](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/92/b2ap3_large_Appoint-_20230517-100316_1.png) 7 steps to effective internal scrutiny ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/7-steps-to-effective-internal-scrutiny "7 steps to effective internal scrutiny") Internal scrutiny can be so much more than a tick-box exercise to meet a regulatory requirement. With the right people and a strong plan in place, internal scrutiny becomes an effective tool which provides reassurance, unbiased advice and strategic recommendations for your organisation. Here at Keystone Knowledge, we believe that there are seven st... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/7-steps-to-effective-internal-scrutiny) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1957 Hits Tags: [internal scrutiny](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/internal-scrutiny) [resource management](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/resource-management) [academy trust](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/academy-trust) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ![Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/924_keystone-knowledge-blog.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) ## [Your most frequently asked HR questions answered!](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/your-most-frequently-asked-hr-questions-answered) Tuesday, 23 August 2022 [Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![b2ap3_large_HR-FAQ-2](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/57/b2ap3_large_b2ap3_large_HR-FAQ-2.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/your-most-frequently-asked-hr-questions-answered "b2ap3_large_HR-FAQ-2") Pip Lloyd is one of Keystone's resident HR experts. A L7 qualified CIPD practitioner, she has a passion for improving children's education through effective strategic planning and positive employee relations. A skilled mediator with a knack for keeping HR simple, Pip makes sure that all colleagues across the organisation can thrive a... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/your-most-frequently-asked-hr-questions-answered) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1822 Hits [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ![Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/924_keystone-knowledge-blog.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) ## [Should you engage a school consultant?](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/should-you-engage-a-school-consultant) Wednesday, 05 October 2022 [Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) Featured [ ![engaging-a-consultant](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/67/b2ap3_large_engaging-a-consultant.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/should-you-engage-a-school-consultant "engaging-a-consultant") From caretakers to CEOs, schools are full of incredible people who feel a commitment to help educate the minds of the future. One of the common themes of people who work in schools is that we all want to be the best that we can be. Whether that's having books that balance, having wonderful staff who facilitate great teaching or having clean buildin... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/should-you-engage-a-school-consultant) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1807 Hits [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ![Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/924_keystone-knowledge-blog.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) ## [Keystone's digest of the Schools Bill](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/keystone-s-digest-of-the-schools-bill) Tuesday, 17 May 2022 [Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Schools-white-paper-blog](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/33/b2ap3_large_Schools-white-paper-blog.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/keystone-s-digest-of-the-schools-bill "Schools-white-paper-blog") The DfE released the new Schools Bill which outlines the government's plans to "help spread opportunity, level up the country and boost our economy". This follows on from the school's white paper which laid out the ambition to have all schools in a MAT by 2030. The draft bill compromises of 15 different sections, ranging from academy trust int... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/keystone-s-digest-of-the-schools-bill) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1888 Hits [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ![Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/924_keystone-knowledge-blog.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) ## [NEW VIDEO: 7 ways to create a positive culture around internal scrutiny](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/7-ways-to-create-a-positive-culture-around-internal-scrutiny-1) Thursday, 29 February 2024 [Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Blog-banner-image-1](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/121/b2ap3_large_Blog-banner-image-1.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/7-ways-to-create-a-positive-culture-around-internal-scrutiny-1 "Blog-banner-image-1") When it comes to internal scrutiny, often the narrative is one of fear and apprehension, but this needn't be the case. In our latest video, Keystone's Education Leadership Consultant, Matthew Clements-Wheeler, outlines 7 ways you can foster a positive culture around internal scrutiny in your organisation. If you have any questions around internal s... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/7-ways-to-create-a-positive-culture-around-internal-scrutiny-1) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1475 Hits [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ![Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/924_keystone-knowledge-blog.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) ## [Imparting Schools' Values and Visions into Day to Day Life](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/imparting-schools-values-and-visions-into-day-to-day-living) Monday, 07 February 2022 [Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Imparting Values Blog](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/24/b2ap3_large_Imparting-Values-Blo_20220207-160250_1.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/imparting-schools-values-and-visions-into-day-to-day-living "Imparting Values Blog") All schools, whether they are trusts or maintained schools, have a set of values that they aim to follow. The DfE and the ESFA tend to focus on the quantitative side of schooling with an overwhelming emphasis on exam or assessment results. Although these are incredibly important and help set us up to succeed in the professional world, they aren't t... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/imparting-schools-values-and-visions-into-day-to-day-living) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 2515 Hits [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](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) ## [Inclusive audits: Exploring Equality, Diversity and Inclusion with internal scrutiny](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/inclusive-audits) Thursday, 11 April 2024 [Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Blog-banner-image-6](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/128/b2ap3_large_Blog-banner-image-6.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/inclusive-audits "Blog-banner-image-6") Schools and academy trusts are in the people-business; because an academy trust will only ever be as good as the people it employs. This means all MAT leaders have to attract, recruit and retain the best staff they can. When you understand how your arrangements to support and include a wide range of staff are working, or aren't, you have an opportu... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/inclusive-audits) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1656 Hits [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](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) ## [Is Internal Scrutiny Adding Real Value to Your Academy Trust?](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/internal-audit-benefits) Tuesday, 24 June 2025 [Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![internal-audit-benefits](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/189/b2ap3_large_internal-audit-benefits.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/internal-audit-benefits "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 [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ![Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/924_keystone-knowledge-blog.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) ## [Meet the team: Stephen Mitchell](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/meet-the-team-stephen-mitchell) Friday, 12 January 2024 [Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Blog-cover-images](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/109/b2ap3_large_Blog-cover-images.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/meet-the-team-stephen-mitchell "Blog-cover-images") Keystone is a company focused on people. Our approach has always been about creating a culture that genuinely values our team members, as well as being proud of their unique qualities, passion, insider experience and knowledge within the industry. For the first in our 'Meet the Team' series, we start with our Director... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/meet-the-team-stephen-mitchell) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 2542 Hits Tags: [meet the team](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/meet-the-team) [ceo](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/ceo) [director](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/director) [finance](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/finance) [leadership](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/leadership) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ![Jenny](https://keystoneknowledge.com/media/com_easyblog/images/avatars/author.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/jenny) ## [7 steps to efficient internal scrutiny (part 2)](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/7-steps-to-efficient-internal-scrutiny-part-2) Monday, 22 May 2023 [Jenny](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/jenny) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Internal Scrutiny](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/94/b2ap3_large_Appoint-4.png) 7 steps to effective internal scrutiny (part 2) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/7-steps-to-efficient-internal-scrutiny-part-2 "Internal Scrutiny") Internal scrutiny is at the heart of risk management, providing oversight of your management controls, reducing risk to your trust and ultimately benefiting pupils by ensuring resources are protected and used properly. The first blog in this series focussed on the steps for effective internal scrutiny before any audits take place. In part two, we'r... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/7-steps-to-efficient-internal-scrutiny-part-2) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1764 Hits Tags: [internal scrutiny](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/internal-scrutiny) [school resource management](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/school-resource-management) [academy trusts](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/academy-trusts) [MATs](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/mats) [school finance](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/school-finance) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) [ ![Jenny](https://keystoneknowledge.com/media/com_easyblog/images/avatars/author.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/jenny) ## [Where does staff engagement start?](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/where-does-staff-engagement-start) Friday, 24 March 2023 [Jenny](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/jenny) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Copy-of-Copy-of-Copy-of-Beige--Grey-Minimalist-Aesthetic-Simple-Grid-Photo-Collage](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/91/b2ap3_large_Copy-of-Copy-of-Copy-of-Beige--Grey-Minimalist-Aesthetic-Simple-Grid-Photo-Collage.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/where-does-staff-engagement-start "Copy-of-Copy-of-Copy-of-Beige--Grey-Minimalist-Aesthetic-Simple-Grid-Photo-Collage") With today's difficult recruitment climate, retaining talented staff is more important than ever. Effective policies around wellbeing, workload and flexible working all help to improve staff morale and help retention, but at what point does staff engagement really start? The onboarding process? The interview process? Or even before candidates have ... 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