Support your local school and make a difference
Our Local Advisory Committees (LACs) play an important role in supporting each academy within Manor Hall Academy Trust. Becoming a LAC member is a meaningful way to contribute to a school, support its leadership and make a positive difference for children and families in the local community.
What Is a Local Advisory Committee?
Each school in our Trust has its own Local Advisory Committee (LAC). LACs:
- Support and challenge school leaders
- Provide local knowledge, insight, and context
- Help ensure schools reflect and serve their communities well
LACs operate within a clear framework called the Scheme of Delegation. This sets out which responsibilities sit locally with the LAC and which are held by the Trust Board. The scheme is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains appropriate and effective.
What Do LAC Members Do?
The exact responsibilities vary slightly depending on the school, but LAC members are typically involved in:
- Supporting pupil wellbeing and safeguarding
- Monitoring teaching, learning and school improvement priorities
- Providing local oversight of staffing and resources
- Keeping an eye on budgets and how funding is used
- Acting as a link between the school and its community
LAC members do not manage the school day‑to‑day. That role sits with the Headteacher and senior leadership team. Instead, LAC members provide support, challenge and local perspective.
Who Can Become a LAC Member?
You don’t need to be an expert in education.
We welcome LAC members from all walks of life who care about children, learning and their local community. Useful qualities include:
- An interest in education and young people
- Willingness to listen, ask questions and work collaboratively
- Good judgement, integrity and common sense
- Time to attend meetings and engage with the school
Parents, carers, local residents and professionals are all encouraged to apply — diverse perspectives strengthen our schools.
What Is the Commitment?
Being a LAC member usually involves:
- Attending LAC meetings (often once per term)
- Reading papers and preparing in advance
- Visiting the school occasionally
- Acting professionally and respecting confidentiality
- Induction and training are provided, so you’ll be supported in developing confidence in the role.
Transparency and Accountability
Transparency matters to us.
Details of each school’s Local Advisory Committee — including current LAC members, declared business interests and attendance records — are published on individual academy websites. We encourage you to visit school websites to learn more about local governance arrangements.
Interested in Becoming a LAC Member?
Becoming a LAC member is a rewarding way to support a school and contribute to your community.
If you’re interested, please visit the website of the academy you wish to support or contact us to find out about current opportunities.
We’d be delighted to hear from you.