What has changed in this edition?

What has been changed in the handbook for 2024.

The main changes are as follows.

Part 1: Roles and responsibilities

  • Moved content on register of business interests in this section from part 5 of the handbook (1.45 to 1.48).
  • Reminding trusts the importance of the digital and technology standards (1.16).

Part 2: Main financial requirements

  • Emphasising that trusts’ reserves policy includes a clear plan for managing reserves (2.8).
  • Clarifying the position around when trusts must approach ESFA for Electric Vehicle (EV) salary sacrifice schemes (2.31).

Part 3: Internal Scrutiny

  • Explaining which internal scrutiny options to be applied for trusts with annual revenue income over £50 million (3.16).
  • Clarifying qualifications and/or experience for trustees and peer reviewers (3.17).

Part 5: Delegated Authorities

  • Confirming that trusts will be able to enter into finance leases where the lease category appears on the DfE approved list (5.25 and 5.26).

Part 6: The Regulator and intervention

  • Clarifying that trusts take appropriate action to meet DfE’s cyber security standards (6.14).
  • Extended the list of examples where an Notice to Improve (NtI) may be issued to include management of the school estate (6.16).