Inclusive Dynamic Accountability launched at Trust’s first governance conference

Over 80 governors, trustees and headteachers attended London South East Academies Trust’s (LSEAT) first governance conference today.

The conference marked the formal launch of the Trust’s new governance framework: Inclusive Dynamic Accountability. This approach sees accountability as a shared civic responsibility, bringing schools, governors and communities together to set priorities, learn from what works and take collective ownership for impact.

Opening the event, which took place at LSEC’s Bromley Campus, CEO Dr Sam Parrett CBE welcomed attendees. She thanked them for their commitment, which is often given quietly and behind the scenes, to support pupils and communities. Introducing the new governance framework, Sam said:

This is about our people and our purpose. We believe our leaders know their communities best - so our governance must reflect the same principle.

“Inclusive Dynamic Accountability is not a response to a single policy change or inspection outcome. Instead, it represents the next stage of a ten-year journey that has seen our Trust grow as a social enterprise and anchor institution, deeply rooted in the communities it serves.

If we want schools that are truly accountable to their communities, then our governance must reflect the same values we expect to see every day – from our pupils, our staff and our leaders.

A keynote speech was delivered by Michael Pain, Founder and Chair of Forum Strategy. He challenged attendees to think differently about accountability and legitimacy, drawing on his extensive experience of community-focused governance.

He said:

There is an epidemic of loneliness among young people and they feel that society is more divided than ever.

"We need community leadership, to get back to that sense of togetherness and community. It takes a village to raise a child.

"This is where pure accountability matters - re-establishing the citizen's role as an engaged and empowered member of the community. It is about building a strong, trust-based civic culture, where everyone is responsible for contributing to a shared success.

A panel discussion followed, focusing on inclusive governance in action. This featured Michael Pain, Samira Sadeghi, Director of Trust Governance at the Confederation of School Trusts, Rama Venchard MBE, LSEAT Chair, and Neil Miller, LSEAT Deputy CEO. The discussion explored the vital role of community governors as enablers of the Trust’s civic mission and as connectors between schools and the communities they serve.

Afternoon sessions focused on parental engagement in governance, organisational risks and the evolving role of governors and trustees as co-stewards of purpose and impact. Participants discussed governance as not only being about oversight, but as a learning responsibility.

The new Inclusive Dynamic Accountability Framework can be read here

The Trust now looks forward to continuing this conversation across its schools and with partners across the sector – to ensure governance remains inclusive, responsive and rooted in the civic purpose of education.

Inclusive Dynamic Accountability launched at Trust’s first governance conference

Governance conference