{"id":1082,"date":"2026-02-02T09:16:53","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T09:16:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.equalityanddiversity.co.uk\/?p=1082"},"modified":"2026-02-02T09:16:53","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T09:16:53","slug":"financial-benchmarking-a-simple-guide-for-governors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.equalityanddiversity.co.uk\/index.php\/2026\/02\/02\/financial-benchmarking-a-simple-guide-for-governors\/","title":{"rendered":"Financial Benchmarking \u2013 A Simple Guide for Governors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>This note is for anyone who sits on school <strong>Finance Committees<\/strong> or holds the role of <strong>Finance or Data Link Governor\/Trustee<\/strong> and has been asked to look more closely at school finances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other governors don\u2019t need to use the benchmarking website themselves, but this explains <strong>how to use it<\/strong>, and how it helps us ask the right questions and support good decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is financial benchmarking?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Financial benchmarking simply means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Comparing our school\u2019s spending with that of similar schools or trusts.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It helps us see:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Where we spend more<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Where we spend less<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Where we might need to ask questions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It is not about blame.<br>It is about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Understanding our finances<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supporting leaders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Making sure money is used wisely for pupils<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Where does the data come from?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The figures come from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Schools\u2019 official financial returns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The workforce census<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>So, this is <strong>real data<\/strong>, not guesswork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is also another service (FFT Education Datalab) which can help compare:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Staffing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Income per pupil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Workforce patterns<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is our role as governors?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our role is <strong>strategic<\/strong>, not technical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>We don\u2019t manage the budget day-to-day<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We don\u2019t audit accounts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We don\u2019t redo the finance team\u2019s work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, we use benchmarking to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Get an overview<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask sensible questions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check that things make sense<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support good financial planning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Aim to spend about <strong>30 minutes<\/strong> on the benchmarking site, not hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What does the benchmarking site help us with?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It gives us:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A picture of our finances<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A starting point for questions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confidence to challenge constructively<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reassurance that what we think is happening really is happening<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe thought our energy bills were high; the data shows they are higher than those of similar schools. That tells us this is something to explore.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Comparing with other schools or trusts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We compare ourselves with <strong>similar schools or trusts<\/strong>, not with everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We look at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Size<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Type<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pupil numbers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Context<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This helps make the comparison fair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Important: the timing of the data<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The data may be from a previous year (for example, 2022\/23).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maintained schools and academies report at different times, so:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dates may not match exactly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trends are more important than perfection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We must use the graphs as a <strong>conversation starter<\/strong>, not as a final judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to view the graphs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Always try to view graphs as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u00a3 per pupil<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This makes comparisons fair when schools are of different sizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Percentage of income<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This shows how much of the budget is spent on each area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid just using \u201cactual totals\u201d as this can be misleading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Look out for outliers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An outlier means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>We are near the top or bottom of a chart<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This is useful because it highlights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strengths<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Risks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Areas to question<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if we are in the middle, there may still be room to improve.<strong><br><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example: Premises and utilities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When looking at spending on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Premises staff<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Repairs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Utilities (gas, electric, water)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We might notice we spend more than similar schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Questions to ask could be:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Why is our spend higher\/lower than others?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is this unavoidable (old building, larger site)?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are there efficiency savings we could make?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Could we invest in energy-saving measures?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why do similar schools spend less on catering or cleaning?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe spend more on premises staff, but less on contractors. Is that because our site team does more work in-house?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Prepare your questions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t need to ask everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Choose <strong>2 or 3 key areas<\/strong> where:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>We differ most from others<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The cost is high<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There may be future risk<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Good questions are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Curious, not critical<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Open, not accusatory<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focused on learning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Talking with the SBM or CFO<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If possible, arrange a short discussion before the meeting with the:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>School Business Manager (SBM)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chief Financial Officer (CFO)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>This helps:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clarify the data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid surprises in meetings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prepare a short report for governors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Make notes of:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What you asked<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What you were told<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bringing it to the meeting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ask for financial benchmarking to be a short agenda item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Share 2 or 3 key findings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Show a few graphs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explain what questions were asked<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Summarise the answers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you didn\u2019t meet the SBM\/CFO beforehand:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Invite them to the meeting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Send questions in advance so they can prepare<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tips for getting this right<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Keep it simple<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t drown in data. Focus on big picture patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ask \u201cwhy\u201d, not \u201cwho\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s about understanding, not blaming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Use comparisons wisely<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Only compare with similar schools or trusts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Focus on pupils<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Always link finance back to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHow does this help children and young people?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Be confident<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t need to be a finance expert to ask good questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Share learning with the board<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Your role helps everyone understand the school\u2019s financial health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Final thought<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Financial benchmarking is not about catching people out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Good governance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transparency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wise use of public money<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supporting leaders to plan well<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protecting the school\u2019s future<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Used well, it strengthens trust, improves decisions, and helps ensure every pound works for our pupils.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This note is for anyone who sits on school Finance Committees or holds the role of Finance or Data Link Governor\/Trustee and has been asked to look more closely at school finances. Other governors don\u2019t need to use the benchmarking website themselves, but this explains how to use it, and how it helps us ask [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1082","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-schools"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Financial Benchmarking \u2013 A Simple Guide for Governors - Equality and Diversity UK Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.equalityanddiversity.co.uk\/index.php\/2026\/02\/02\/financial-benchmarking-a-simple-guide-for-governors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Financial Benchmarking \u2013 A Simple Guide for Governors - Equality and Diversity UK Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"This note is for anyone who sits on school Finance Committees or holds the role of Finance or Data Link Governor\/Trustee and has been asked to look more closely at school finances. 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