--- title: "General - Keystone Knowledge - Blog - Page 5" description: "Page 5 - Access Keystone's free shareable resources for schools and MATs." url: "https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general?start=80" date: "2026-05-23T20:07:16+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) ## [How to research candidates online](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/how-to-research-candidates-online) Tuesday, 20 September 2022 [Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![researching-candiates-online](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/62/b2ap3_large_researching-candiates-online.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/how-to-research-candidates-online "researching-candiates-online") In paragraph 215 of the new KCSIE guidelines, which came into effect on 1st September, schools and trusts carry out an "online search (including social media) as part of their due diligence on the shortlisted candidates." Conducting in conjunction with adequate DBS checks, a search should only be used to find any "incidents or issues" involvi... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/how-to-research-candidates-online) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 2015 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) ## [Summary of State of the Nation Report](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/summary-of-state-of-the-nation-report) Wednesday, 23 February 2022 [Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![State-of-the-Nation-Blog](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/27/b2ap3_large_State-of-the-Nation-Blog.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/summary-of-state-of-the-nation-report "State-of-the-Nation-Blog") The Social Mobility Commission has just released their State of the Nation 2021 report which details how social mobility has been impacted by the pandemic. Social mobility is the link between your income and your parents' income. There is a strong relationship between high inequality and low social mobility. If there are high levels of inequality i... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/summary-of-state-of-the-nation-report) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 2074 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 importance of good governance](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/the-importance-of-good-governance) Friday, 13 May 2022 [Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![importance-of-good-governance-blog](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/40/b2ap3_large_importance-of-good-governance-blog.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/the-importance-of-good-governance "importance-of-good-governance-blog") Although the role of governors has changed drastically over the last few decades, they still remain absolutely vital for schools to run effectively. More and more emphasis is being put on the accountability of the governors to run the school correctly. Although not strictly from an academic background, governors set the strategy for the school or M... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/the-importance-of-good-governance) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 2050 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) ## [A Tiered Approach to Risk Management in Multi-Academy Trusts](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/a-tiered-approach-to-risk-management-in-multi-academy-trusts) Tuesday, 28 January 2025 [Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![risk management](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/147/b2ap3_large_Beige-Brown-Modern-Traveler-Blog--Youtube-Thumbnail--2.png) chess-pieces-falling ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/a-tiered-approach-to-risk-management-in-multi-academy-trusts "risk management") 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... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/a-tiered-approach-to-risk-management-in-multi-academy-trusts) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1227 Hits Tags: [Risk Management](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/risk-management) [Internal Scrutiny](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/internal-scrutiny) [Multi-Academy Trusts](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/multi-academy-trusts) [ ](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) ## [MAT Finance Benchmarking: What the Top 10% of Trusts Are Doing Differently](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/mat-finance-benchmarking) Friday, 04 July 2025 [Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![15](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/187/b2ap3_large_15.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/mat-finance-benchmarking "15") 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 Tags: [Multi-Academy Trust](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/multi-academy-trust) [School Benchmarketing](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/school-benchmarketing) [MAT Benchmarking](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/mat-benchmarking) [School Finance](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/school-finance) [Academy Finance](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/academy-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);) [ ![Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_avatar/924_keystone-knowledge-blog.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) ## [Effective HR in schools: the unseen key to savings](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/effective-hr-in-schools-the-unseen-key-to-savings) Friday, 01 September 2023 [Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Cost savings with effective HR](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/99/b2ap3_large_hr.jpg) Cost savings with effective HR ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/effective-hr-in-schools-the-unseen-key-to-savings "Cost savings with effective HR") With today's ever-tightening budgets, schools face the challenging task of delivering exceptional education without stretching resources too thin. HR isn't something that automatically springs to mind when looking for cost savings, but effective practices can save both time and money. Let's explore how strategic HR practices can help save costs. Re... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/effective-hr-in-schools-the-unseen-key-to-savings) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1826 Hits Tags: [schools](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/schools) [resources](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/resources) [cost savings](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/cost-savings) [time](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/time) [Human Resources](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/human-resources) [ ](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) ## [Employment Law Update 2025 for UK Schools and MATs](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/employment-law-changes-2025-uk) Wednesday, 05 February 2025 [Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![employment-law-changes-2025-u_20250212-084646_1](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/169/b2ap3_large_employment-law-changes-2025-u_20250212-084646_1.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/employment-law-changes-2025-uk "employment-law-changes-2025-u_20250212-084646_1") 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 [ ](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 free social media use policy template](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/keystone-s-free-social-media-use-policy-template) Tuesday, 20 September 2022 [Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![social-media-policy](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/64/b2ap3_large_social-media-policy.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/keystone-s-free-social-media-use-policy-template "social-media-policy") Social media is something we can't live without, but it's important to sure that our staff and students use it responsibly. Our free social media template will set out how everyone can use social media safely. Click below to download your free copy. Keystone-Free-Social-Media-Policy 49 kb Download Files [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1753 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) ## [Supporting Teacher Well-Being](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/supporting-teacher-well-being) Friday, 04 March 2022 [Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Supporting-teachers-wellbeing-blog](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/29/b2ap3_large_Supporting-teachers-wellbeing-blog.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/supporting-teacher-well-being "Supporting-teachers-wellbeing-blog") Teachers are at the front line of both teaching and pastoral care for students, but what can you do as a school business professional to support them? Teachers mental wellbeing has been poor According to NASWT's Teacher Wellbeing Survey, 91% of teachers say their job has negatively affected their mental health and 64% say that it has im... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/supporting-teacher-well-being) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 2003 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) ## [Academy Trust Handbook 2025 — What You Need to Know](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/academy-trust-handbook-2025) Thursday, 26 June 2025 [Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![academy-trust-handbook-2025](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/186/b2ap3_large_Stock-images---Keystone-5.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/academy-trust-handbook-2025 "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 [ ](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) ## [Strategic Financial Planning for Multi-Academy Trusts: Short, Medium & Long-Term Horizons](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/mat-financial-planning-strategy) Wednesday, 21 May 2025 [Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![a-woman-typing-on-a-computer-planning-for-MAT-growth](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/180/b2ap3_large_a-woman-typing-on-a-computer-planning-for-MAT-growth-min-1.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/mat-financial-planning-strategy "a-woman-typing-on-a-computer-planning-for-MAT-growth") 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 [ ](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) ## [Great news? Teachers' pay sees an uptick](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/great-news-teachers-pay-sees-and-uptick) Thursday, 13 July 2023 [Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Teachers' pay award](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/97/b2ap3_large_Copy-of-Copy-of-Beige--Grey-Minimalist-Aesthetic-Simple-Grid-Photo-Collage-2.png) Teachers' pay award ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/great-news-teachers-pay-sees-and-uptick "Teachers' pay award") So, the long-awaited announcement is finally here! After painful strikes and heated debates, the government has given its full consent to the STRB's recommendations. What's in it for the teachers? A solid 6.5% pay hike. And the best part? It's not just a reshuffling of old funds but an infusion of fresh money that's fully backed. This is defin... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/great-news-teachers-pay-sees-and-uptick) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1601 Hits Tags: [schoolresourcemanagement](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/schoolresourcemanagement) [HR](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/hr) [Academytrusts](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/academytrusts) [payaward](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/payaward) [government](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/tags/government) [ ](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) ## [The Link Between Effective HR Practices and Better School Outcomes](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/effective-hr-practices) Tuesday, 21 January 2025 [Pippa Lloyd](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/pippa) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![effective-hr-practices](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/145/b2ap3_large_effective-hr-practices.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/effective-hr-practices "effective-hr-practices") Like business organisations, schools and academies are people places. Managing and communicating with your staff, teachers, students, and other stakeholders is a key function of human resource management (HRM). Effective HR practices are important in designing education quality and learning outcomes in schools and MATs. Common HR practices in schoo... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/effective-hr-practices) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 2395 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 Fire Safety Checklist](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/keystone-s-fire-safety-checklist) Thursday, 01 September 2022 [Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![b2ap3_large_fire-safety-checklist](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/59/b2ap3_large_b2ap3_large_fire-safety-checklist.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/keystone-s-fire-safety-checklist "b2ap3_large_fire-safety-checklist") Although you should review your fire risk assessment every year, there are steps you can take in between to ensure you are as fire ready as possible. There are currently no statutory checks that you should take place but it's really important to conduct regular checks to ensure both you are well prepared. Here is our checklist with our suggested da... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/keystone-s-fire-safety-checklist) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1701 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) ## [5 Essential Steps for Multi-Year Financial Planning in Academy Trusts](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/financial-planning-schools) Wednesday, 23 April 2025 [Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![academy-finance](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/178/b2ap3_large_academy-finance.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/financial-planning-schools "academy-finance") 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 [ ](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 Benefits of Joining a MAT](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/the-benefits-of-joining-a-mat) Monday, 24 January 2022 [Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Benefits-of-joining-a--Blog-Post](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/23/b2ap3_large_Benefits-of-joining-a--Blog-Post.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/the-benefits-of-joining-a-mat "Benefits-of-joining-a--Blog-Post") Converting from an LA school to an academy in a MAT or joining a MAT as a standalone academy can have many benefits. Buying in bulk leads to greater economies in scales Joining or starting a MAT can lead to economies of scale and greater efficiency. MATs can contain as many as 70 schools which makes them a considerable 'buying block' when pur... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/the-benefits-of-joining-a-mat) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 2352 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) ## [What are Keystone Knowledge's values?](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/what-are-keystone-knowledges-values) Wednesday, 20 July 2022 [Keystone Knowledge](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/keystone) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Keystones-Values](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/47/b2ap3_large_Keystones-Values.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/what-are-keystone-knowledges-values "Keystones-Values") At Keystone Knowledge, we talk a lot about values. It's so important to have a good set of values, whether they are your personal values or your schools. They really do form the basis for everything you do, provide a framework for how to tackle problems and build a happy, fulfilling environment for everyone. If you would like some advice on putting... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/what-are-keystone-knowledges-values) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 2305 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) ## [Multi academy trusts: Looking at the top slice](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/understanding-mat-top-slice-increases) Wednesday, 06 March 2024 [Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Blog-banner-image-5](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/126/b2ap3_large_Blog-banner-image-5.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/understanding-mat-top-slice-increases "Blog-banner-image-5") There are a developing number of stories explaining that MAT top slices are increasing and the number of trusts with fully-centralised functions is also on the rise. But what does this mean for children in schools? The intention behind this movement is that schools should get a better deal and, in turn, this delivers better outcomes for y... [ Continue reading](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/understanding-mat-top-slice-increases) [ 0 ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/javascript:void(0);) 1730 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) ## [What Great MAT Governance Looks Like in 2025 - A Practical Guide for Trustees](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/great-mat-governance) Wednesday, 16 July 2025 [Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![mat-governance](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/191/b2ap3_large_mat-governance.jpg) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/great-mat-governance "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 [ ](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) ## [Key Changes in the 2024 Academies Financial Handbook: An In-depth Look for MAT Leaders](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/key-changes-in-the-2024-academies-financial-handbook-an-in-depth-look-for-mat-leaders) Tuesday, 06 August 2024 [Steve](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/blogger/steve) [General](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/categories/general) [ ![Changes-to-Academies-Financial-Handbook](https://keystoneknowledge.com/images/easyblog_articles/131/b2ap3_large_Changes-to-Academies-Financial-Handbook.png) ](https://keystoneknowledge.com/blog/key-changes-in-the-2024-academies-financial-handbook-an-in-depth-look-for-mat-leaders "Changes-to-Academies-Financial-Handbook") The UK government has recently unveiled the 2024 edition of the Academies Financial Handbook, bringing forth crucial updates and simplifications aimed at enhancing governance and financial management within academy trusts. This comprehensive guide explores the significant changes and their implications, offering insights for Multi-Academy Trust (MA... 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