Top 10 questions to ask before choosing an audit system for your multi-academy trust

Date: Thursday, 12th Dec 2024 | Category: Audits, Multi-Academy Trusts

Selecting the right audit system for multi-academy trusts (MATs) is crucial for safeguarding effectiveness.

Before making this important decision, consider these essential questions to ensure you choose a solution that truly meets your needs:

1. How flexible is the system? Look for a variety of question formats that reflect your organisation’s culture. The ability to adapt audits to your specific requirements ensures better engagement and more meaningful data.
2. What time savings can you expect? Consider the impact on resources. One organisation reported that tasks previously taking three days now take just two minutes using the Phew Audit System. Look for systems showing clear efficiency gains.
3. How does it handle reporting? As Sam Anderson from Dudley Safeguarding People Partnership notes, “the Phew Audit System’s ability to generate actionable plans has significantly enhanced our ability to identify and address safeguarding needs quickly.”
4. What security measures are in place? Ensure GDPR compliance and robust data protection. Your chosen system should meet standard security requirements for handling sensitive safeguarding information.
5. How user-friendly is it? Jon Needham, Director of Safeguarding at Oasis Community Learning, emphasises: “The Phew Audit System is incredibly accessible and its user-friendly interface has been well-received by all users.”
6. What support is available? Look for dedicated account management and responsive customer support. Regular system updates and community sharing of best practices are vital.
7. Can it scale with you? Ensure the system can grow with your organisation and adapt to changing requirements without performance issues.
8. What automation features are included? To free up valuable time, seek systems that automate reminders, progress tracking, and basic reporting.
9. How does it facilitate collaboration? Multi-academy trust collaboration relies on schools having an easy way to complete audits, with instant updates accessible to MAT leaders. This approach simplifies data collection, enhances oversight, and supports timely, informed decision-making across the trust.
10. What ROI can you expect? Organisations report up to 120% increase in completion rates and save the equivalent of one month per year in admin time using the Phew Audit System.
    

    “For the first time, our school leaders were unanimous in their approval of the annual safeguarding audit process. They appreciated the rigour and relevance of our own approach and the way that this translated into meaningful actions for school improvement. The Phew Audit System is popular as it is easy to save, retrieve and complete at more than one sitting.”

    Ben Straker, Director of Safeguarding and Inclusion at The Diocese of Hereford Multi-Academy Trust
    

If your MAT is looking for an efficient, stress-free way to manage safeguarding audits, consider booking a discovery session with us. Email hello@phew.org.uk to learn more.