Federation process
There are various steps that must be taken as set out in the DfE guidance on Federation before a Federation can be set up: Gov.UK: Federations: guidance on the governance processes
(Please note that HCC through HFL Governance is able to support schools considering federation or greater collaboration – see Federations - advice and support for further information.
The initiative to federate should come from the headteachers or governors of the schools.
Hertfordshire County Council through its Education Leadership Team: EducationTeam@hertfordshire.gov.uk and, where relevant, the Diocese of St Albans Schools Team contacts - The Diocese of St Albans or other religious body must also be involved in any considerations to federate.
As a governing body, you should make sure you understand the federation process and recognise the timelines and commitments involved. You may find it useful to:
- get advice from your governance professional (clerk)
- visit other federations
- receive your own legal advice
Engagement with local perspectives will be important as part of this and considerations such as size, demographics and context alongside detailed financial modelling will need to be undertaken at a local level and will form part of the due diligence to any proposed school reorganisations.
The creation and membership of a federation is not just about structural change. It is also about a different mindset where the governors and school leaders share a commitment to improving the outcomes and life chances for all children across the federation, as opposed to just a single school, through a school-led system of raising standards and driving improvement.
Governing bodies considering federation must consult with several key stakeholders and take their views into account when making the final decision whether to federate.
The governing bodies may set up a joint governance working party (joint committee) that includes at least one governor from each of the schools proposing to federate. The joint committee will:
- plan and manage the formal consultation process
- keep all parties informed about progress
Where there is not a joint committee, the governing bodies are responsible for undertaking the above.
Formal processes
This is a summary please do refer to Gov.UK: Federations: guidance on the governance processes for all the detailed information.
A formal written report which outlines the findings of the working group and preliminary consultations regarding the federation proposal must be produced. This report should include the benefits and disadvantages, practical considerations, a timetable for implementation , and examples of governing body structures with sufficient detail for each relevant governing body to make an informed decision about whether to progress with the idea.
Notification – publishing the federation proposal
Once all governing bodies have given preliminary consent, they must publish a formal proposal.
Following the conclusion of the statutory consultation period and the joint review of all responses received, each governing body involved in the proposed federation must:
- convene a formal meeting to consider the final version of the federation proposal.
- review consultation feedback and any amendments made to the proposal.
- vote independently on whether to:
- proceed with forming the federation, or
- withdraw from the process.
If one of the Governing Bodies decides not to proceed then the process ends and must start again for those governing bodies who still wish to pursue federation.
Implementing a decision to federate then requires extensive preparation before the federation is incorporated including:
- governance and legal framework
- financial and asset management
- strategic planning
- staffing and HR
- governance operations
Prior to the federation date, existing governing bodies must prepare a brief written report summarising how it has fulfilled its statutory responsibilities. In addition, all relevant documentation—including meeting minutes and associated papers—must be transferred to the newly established federated governing body.
On the date of federation, the existing individual governing bodies are formally dissolved, and the new federated governing body is legally constituted. All land, property, and assets previously held by the individual schools’ governing bodies are transferred to the ownership and management of the federated governing body.