Scheme of Delegation

Scheme of Delegation

Contents

Introduction


This scheme of delegation (SoD) sets out the responsibilities which have been retained by the Teaching School Hubs Council and those which have been delegated to its Chair and staff team.


Approval: This SoD was approved at the TSH Council meeting on 22 September 2021.
Review: Annual, or as required to reflect in-year changes.
Owner: Senior Capacity Improvement Advisor, Teaching School Hubs Council.

Council Governance Framework

The TSHC vision was approved by the Council in Spring 2021:

All children experience great teaching in well-led schools, made possible by a national

network of Teaching School Hubs acting as school-led centres of excellence in teacher and

leader training and development.

The TSHC advocates for a great education for every pupil, regardless of their background,
and supports the national network of teaching school hubs in England.

The TSHC performs two specific functions:

  • an advisory function – representing the network of teaching school hubs, engaging with and advising the Department for Education (DfE) on national policy
  • a capacity building function – supporting the creation and growth of teaching school hubs, ensuring capacity for successful delivery of the:
    • early career framework (ECF)
    • national professional qualifications (NPQs)
    • initial teacher training (ITT)
    • appropriate body (AB) role
    • additional continuing professional development (CPD)

All TSHC members and advisors are ministerial appointments.

Authority is delegated to the Council by the DfE via the following:

  • TSHC Annual Commission
    • Sets high level goals, objectives and KPIs
    • Sets the annual TSHC budget
  • Grant offer letters
    • Provided to the TSHC Chair, members and advisors
    • Set out the terms and conditions of of Council roles
  • Data sharing agreements
    • Govern confidentiality and data sharing arrangements with Council members and advisors

Scheme of delegation

Responsibilities and decision-making powers retained by the Council

  • Agreement of the annual DfE TSHC Commision
  • Approval of the TSHC Terms of Reference
  • Approval of the TSHC Theory of Change
  • Setting of the TSHC vision
  • Approval of the Code of Conduct for Teaching School Hubs
  • Approval of the TSHC three-year strategic plan
  • Holding the Senior Capacity Improvement Advisor (SCIA) to account for delivery of
    the strategic plan and the objectives of the annual Commission through termly review
    of progress against the operating plan
  • Appointment of the SCIA, including appointment terms and conditions
  • Approval of purchases in line with the financial scheme of delegation included below
  • Approval of the risk management strategy and review of the risk register on a termly basis

Delegated by the Council to the Chair

  • Ensuring the Council operates effectively, in line with Nolan Principles and the TSHC Code of Conduct
  • Communicating with Ministers on behalf of the Council
  • Approval of the annual operating plan, including KPIs and budget
  • Accountable to DfE for the TSHC budget
  • Approval of purchases, in line with financial scheme of delegation included below
  • Acting on behalf of the Council in an emergency, providing an update at the subsequent meeting (‘Chair’s action’)
  • Performance management of the SCIA

Delegated by the Council to the SCIA

  • Preparation of the TSHC Theory of Change for approval by Council
  • Preparation of the three year strategic plan and budget envelope for approval by Council
  • Preparation of the annual operating plan and budget for approval by the Chair
  • Day to day responsibility for the TSHC, including delivering against the annual operating plan, DfE Commission and budget Appointment and management of the TSHC team
  • Allocation of responsibilities to the TSHC team, in line with skills and experience
  • Responsibility for sound financial management, including adherence to the ATLP Finance Policy
  • Approval of purchases, in line with financial scheme of delegation included below
  • Adherence to the DfE’s non-civil servant expenses policy
  • Induction of newly appointed members of the Council

Financial scheme of delegation

TSHC to be in accordance with ATLP Finance Policy, with the following exceptions: Purchase of good and services:
Purchase of goods and services up to £7,500
Comparison of costs where applicable, SCIA approval.
Purchase of goods and services between £7,501 to £24,999
Three quotes, SCIA approval.
Purchase of goods and services between £25,000 and £49,999
Three quotes (must be included in approved budget), TSHC Chair approval.
Purchase of goods and services between £50,000 and £100,000
Three quotes (must be included in approved budget), TSH Council approval.
Purchase of goods and services over £100,000
Formal tender and approval by TSH Council (must be included in approved budget).
Purchase of Contracts
Purchase of contracts up to £7,500
Comparison of costs where applicable, SCIA approval.
Purchase of contracts between £7,501 and £24,999
Three quotes, where applicable, SCIA approval.
Purchase of contracts between £25,000 and £49,999
Three quotes, TSHC Chair approval.
Purchase of contracts between £50,000 and £100,000
Three quotes (must be included in approved budget), TSH Council approval.
Purchase of contracts over £100,000
Formal tender and approval by TSH Council (must be included in approved budget)