The Scheme of delegation as a sensemaking framework in Multi Academy Trusts in England: Useful tool or constraint ?

Baxter, Jacqueline and Jewitt, Katharine (2022). The Scheme of delegation as a sensemaking framework in Multi Academy Trusts in England: Useful tool or constraint ? Educational Management Administration and Leadership (Early access).

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/17411432211051907

Abstract

Changes to the structure of English education due to decentralization policy, particularly since 2010 have resulted in the creation of large groupings of schools -Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs), organisations with multi-level governance structures, set out in schemes of delegation (SDs). Although government has demanded ‘absolute clarity on role and remit of each part of the structure and the relationship and reporting between them,’ recent research suggests that there is little clarity or consistency in the role and function of board structures, with members often confused about their roles. This paper draws on data from a funded project to examine: What level of consistency is there in MAT SDs and what evidence is there that SDs align with sensemaking models (Vlaar et al, (2006,Weber and Glynn 2006). Finishing with a discussion on what the findings imply for use of SDs as useful tools for board member sensemaking in MATs ? The paper concludes that although these documents are part of sensemaking activities, their use in collaborative organizations can constrain innovation, and this may undermine the long-term sustainability of MATs.

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