Finance and Business Support Across Elements Diocesan Learning Trust

The Elements finance team, led by the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), provides professional, strategic support to school business managers, headteachers, and administrative staff across the Trust.

This support enables each school to plan and manage its budget effectively, maintain robust financial controls, and ensure full compliance with the Academies Trust Handbook and wider financial regulations.

Working in partnership with each school, the finance team promotes strong financial governance, leadership, and operational assurance. The team ensures that financial management is not only compliant but also aligned with the Trust’s values and strategic priorities.

All Elements Diocesan Learning Trust schools receive:

• Strategic financial oversight from the central finance function
• Comprehensive support for financial, back-office, and business operations
• Access to the Trust’s Financial Handbook and policy guidance.
• A bespoke financial support package tailored to each school’s needs
• Annual finance software licensing Ongoing training and guidance for Business Managers and Finance Administrators
• Collaborative budget setting and financial planning
• Monthly management accounts and financial reporting
• Support with procurement, best value assurance, and contract negotiation
• Assistance with grant applications and funding opportunities
• Administration of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme and Local Government Pension Scheme, including annual returns and audit coordination
• Preparation and external audit of annual accounts
• Delivery of the regularity audit Completion and submission of all statutory reports required by the DfE
• Assurance of full compliance with the Academies Trust Handbook and Accounts Direction
• Participation in the School Business Management Forum for peer support and professional development

This integrated approach ensures that financial stewardship across the Trust is transparent, accountable, and strategically aligned, supporting the long-term sustainability and success of every school.