Performance Review/Executive Appraisal for MAT CEOs
Hello
“CEO performance does not interpret as a compliance exercise. It is a strategic lever for trust-wide success, and it deserves the same level of rigour, independence and expertise as any board-level decision.”
The performance of a Chief Executive Officer within a Multi-Academy Trust carries significant responsibility. It shapes not only the strategic direction of the Trust, but also the quality of education, organisational culture, and outcomes for pupils across every school within the Trust.
​
In an evolving educational landscape, characterised by increased accountability, financial scrutiny and rising expectations, robust and effective CEO performance review processes are essential. Yet, in many Trusts, CEO appraisal can become overly procedural. It may lack the depth, independence or strategic alignment required to fully support both the CEO and the Board in delivering sustained excellence.
​
At Fig Tree International, we approach CEO performance review differently.
“CEO performance does not interpret as a procedural exercise. It is one of the most significant strategic levers a Trust holds.”
This service has been designed to provide independent, rigorous and strategically aligned CEO appraisal, supporting Boards to exercise their governance responsibilities with confidence, clarity and integrity.
.png)
The CEO Performance & Governance Review is a structured, end-to-end process designed to ensure rigour, clarity and strategic alignment.
The full cycle includes:
1. Insight & Preparation
-
Review of key Trust documentation (strategic plans, performance data, Ofsted outcomes, relevant reports)
-
Identification of key themes and priorities
2. Pre-Meeting with CEO
-
Professional dialogue focused on reflection, achievements and challenges
-
Exploration of strategic priorities and leadership approach
3. Pre-Meeting with Chair of Trustees
-
Alignment on expectations
-
Clarification of governance perspective and priorities
4. Formal CEO Appraisal Meeting
-
Structured, professionally facilitated discussion
-
Balanced evaluation of performance
-
Constructive challenge and reflection
5. Target Setting & Reporting
-
Clear, measurable and strategically aligned objectives
-
Written summary of outcomes and agreed priorities
6. Mid-Year Review
-
Progress check against agreed objectives
-
Adjustment of priorities where appropriate
-
Continued support and accountability
.png)
Overview of Service
Areas of focus in CEO Assessment
1. Leadership and Organisational Development
Clarity, coherence and delivery of Trust strategy
Staff wellbeing, inclusion, belonging and organisational health
2. Quality of Education
​Progress, attainment and quality of education across the Trust​
​
3. Strategic Governance
​Relationship with the Board and quality of reporting
​
4. Finance and Operations
​Sustainability, resource management and operational effectiveness
​
5. Workforce and Talent Development​
Leadership pipeline, workforce development and retention
​
6. Public Benefit and Civic Duty
​Relationships with schools, communities, partners and external bodies
​
This ensures a holistic and meaningful evaluation of performance.
.png)
Contact
If you would like to discuss further, then please feel free to contact us.