Benchmarking Project: empowering Multi-Academy Trusts through data insights

We are delighted to announce the launch of our new service, the Inspiring Leaders MAT Benchmarking Project.

This innovative benchmarking project offers MATs the opportunity to compare themselves against peers within the sector, providing a clear picture of how each trust aligns with others operating in similar contexts. By participating, MATs can benefit from data-driven insights that supports informed decision-making, improves operations, and enhances educational outcomes.

Benefits of the benchmarking project for MATs

Participation in this project offers several key advantages for MATs. Through detailed analysis of performance across central organisation, ICT, HR, and finance, MATs will be able to benchmark their activities against other trusts. This comparative data will enable leadership teams to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and opportunities for further development.

The main benefits of the benchmarking project for MATs include:

Informed decision-making

The data collected across various aspects of MAT operations will provide decision-makers with a comprehensive view of their trust’s performance. MAT leaders can use this information to make evidence-based decisions, driving efficiencies and strategic improvements across the organisation.

Improved organisational efficiency

Benchmarking key operational areas such as ICT infrastructure, staff recruitment and retention, and financial management will help MATs identify where resources can be optimised. By comparing themselves with similar trusts, they can adopt best practices that lead to more efficient use of budgets and staff.

Enhanced financial oversight

The finance section of the survey will allow MATs to analyse important financial data, such as staff costs, utility expenditure, and EHCP-related expenses. This will provide valuable insights into how financial resources are being allocated and where cost-saving measures might be implemented. Even though this data will be unaudited, using the most recent end-of-year figures ensures a relevant snapshot of financial performance.

Strategic HR planning

The HR benchmarking section will enable trusts to compare recruitment, retention, and absence rates against sector averages. This will help MATs understand workforce trends within the sector and develop strategies to retain top talent, reduce absenteeism, and enhance staff well-being.

Comparative ICT insights

The ICT benchmarking component of the survey will provide a clear comparison of how different trusts are leveraging technology, including their ICT infrastructure, security protocols, and innovative practices. This will help MATs ensure their technology strategy aligns with best practices in the sector.

This project presents a valuable opportunity for MATs to gain a clearer understanding of their performance and operational practices. By comparing themselves to others in the sector, trusts can identify areas for improvement, adopt best practices, and enhance their overall effectiveness. It offers MATs a practical, data-driven approach to support decision-making and improve outcomes across the board.

To find out more about this project, please get in touch with us by emailing info@iltoday.co.uk.