Oak National Academy Framework Document - Introduction and background

Oct 21, 2026

Uploaded by Ophelia

Oak National Academy Framework Document sets out the governance framework agreed between the Department for Education (DfE) and Oak National Academy (ONA). It defines the document’s purpose and objectives, including advancing education and improving pupil outcomes in the UK while closing the disadvantage gap and reducing teacher workload. It also clarifies classification and ownership expectations, establishes ONA’s incorporation as a company limited by guarantee, and sets how the DfE and ONA operate within the agreed terms.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages41

Reading Time1 h 43 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction and background

Purpose of document

Objectives

Classification and ownership

Purposes, powers and duties

Annex A: Reserved Matters

Annex B: Draft Glossary of Terms

Annex C: Guidance

2 3 Oak National Academy Framework Document Introduction and background 5 1. Purpose of document 5 2. Objectives 5 3. Classification and ownership 6 Aims 7 4. Aims 7 Governance and accountability 7 5. Governance and accountability 7 Role of the SoS as member, and DfE as sponsor department 8 6. The Responsible Minister 8 7. Appointment of the Chief Executive (CE) 8 8. Appointments to the ONA Board 9 9. Other member reserved matters (“Reserved Matters”) 9 10. The Principal Accounting Officer ( PAO) 9 11. The role of the sponsorship team 10 12. Resolution of disputes between ONA and DfE 11 13. Freedom of Information requests 11 14. Reporting on legal risk and litigation 11 The company governance structure 11 15. Responsibilities of ONA’s Chief Executive as accounting officer 11 16. Responsibilities for accounting to parliament and the public 12 17. Responsibilities to the Department for Education 12 18. Responsibilities to the Board 13 19. Managing conflicts 13 20. The Board 13 21. The Chair’s role and responsibilities 16 22. Individual Board members’ responsibilities 17 Management and financial responsibilities and controls 18 23. Delegated authorities 18 24. Spending authority 18 25. Banking and managing cash 19 26. Procurement 19 27. Risk management 20 28. Counter fraud and theft 20 29. Staff 20 30. Pensions, redundancy and compensation 22 Business plans, financial reporting and management information 22 31. Corporate and business plans 22 32. Budgeting procedures 23 33. Grant-in-aid and any ring-fenced grants 23 34. Annual report and accounts 23 35. Reporting performance to the DfE 24 36. Information Sharing 24 Audit 25 37. Internal audit 25 38. External audit 26 Reviews and winding up arrangements 26 39. Review of ONA’s status 26 40. Arrangements in the event that ONA is wound up 27 Other Matters 28 41. Machinery of Government 28 42. Procedure for public complaints 28 43. Subsidiary Companies 28 44. Severance Payments 28 45. Better Regulation, Consultation, and Impact Assessments 28 Annex A: Reserved Matters 30 Annex B: Draft Glossary of Terms 32 Annex C: Guidance 33 Introduction and background 1. Purpose of document 1.1. This framework document (the “framework document”) has been agreed between the Department for Education ( DfE) and Oak National Academy (ONA) in accordance with HM Treasury's handbook Managing Public Money1 (“MPM”)(as updated from time to time) and has been approved by HM Treasury. 1.2. The framework document sets out the broad governance framework within which ONA and the DfE operate. It sets out ONA’s core responsibilities; describes the governance and accountability framework that applies between the roles of the DfE and ONA and sets out how the day-to-day relationship works in practice, including in relation to governance and financial matters. The Framework document is intended to support and complement ONA's Articles of Association but in the event of inconsistency, the provisions of the Articles shall prevail. 1.3. The document does not convey any legal powers or responsibilities but both parties agree to operate within its terms. 1.4. References to ONA include all its subsidiaries and joint ventures that are classified to the public sector and central government for national accounts purposes. If ONA establishes a subsidiary or joint venture, there shall be a document setting out the arrangements between it and ONA agreed with the DfE. Such subsidiaries should only be established in line with appropriate delegations. 1.5. Copies of the document and any subsequent amendments have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament and made available to members of the public on the ONA website and on [gov.uk](gov.uk). 1.6. This framework document should be reviewed regularly and updated at least every 3 years unless there are exceptional reasons that render th

FAQs

What is the purpose of the framework document between DfE and ONA?

It sets out the broad governance framework within which ONA and the DfE operate, including ONA’s core responsibilities and how the day-to-day relationship works in practice for governance and financial matters.

What is the shared objective of the DfE and ONA?

They share the objective of advancing education, training, learning and development for the public benefit in the UK, improving pupil outcomes, closing the disadvantage gap, and reducing teacher workload.

How is ONA incorporated and what powers does the document itself convey?

ONA is incorporated under the Companies Act 2006 as a company limited by guarantee. The document does not convey legal powers or responsibilities, and both parties agree to operate within its terms.

Oct 21, 2026

Uploaded by Ophelia