LEO Academy Trust is at the start of a transformative journey with iAM Compliant. Although the strategic decision to switch providers was finalised just before joining the team, Trust Central Officer, Guy Nelson, has taken the lead on a phased rollout across their schools.
This transition represents a significant moment of decisive leadership: despite having a competitor system already embedded in the majority of their schools, the trust prioritised a long-term strategic fit over previous costs. This commitment is solidified by a multi-year contract, establishing iAM Compliant as a partner for the years ahead.
The Decision to Switch: Infrastructure for Growth
The move was prompted by a clear operational necessity. The trust felt iAM offered the infrastructure required to support a growing Multi-Academy Trust, particularly regarding centralised oversight. While many trusts may feel tethered to a legacy provider due to prior investment in time and money, LEO Academy Trust chose to move to iAM Compliant because they believed it would effectively meet the complex requirements of a MAT.
"We were looking for a platform that would allow us to progress on the bigger strategic elements of compliance," Guy explains. "It was clear that iAM would offer the development potential we needed to evolve alongside the latest legislation and the specific needs of our trust."
A key factor in this choice was iAM’s commitment to continuous improvement. Unlike static tools, iAM evolves regularly, thanks to a combination of co-founder experience, DfE guidance, and direct feedback from the schools and MATs who use it every day.
A Seamless Rollout
The transition is currently underway, with schools being onboarded in a structured, phased approach. So far, the feedback from individual sites has been encouragingly quiet.
"The rollout is proceeding very well," Guy says. "The schools that have gone live haven't mentioned any complications, which is always a positive indicator. They’re already using the ticketing system for genuine reasons, and it’s been a very strong start."
Guy is particularly keen to explore the oversight view in more detail once the full rollout is complete, allowing the central team to manage compliance strategically rather than reactively.
Expert Support: "Walking the Corridors"
One of the most significant differences Guy has noticed since switching is the level of human support available. At iAM Compliant, the support team isn't just a help desk; it is staffed by people with firsthand experience in school environments.
"The 1:1 work with Jamie has been brilliant," Guy notes. "It’s really obvious that he’s worked in a school before. He offers expert insights and support, which is refreshing. In the past, we’ve worked with companies that can feel quite corporate and impersonal. With iAM, we can quickly speak straight away to an expert who understands our setting."
This direct link to expertise reaffirmed the trust’s decision to switch to iAM Compliant. In a sector where many other providers rely solely on online-only support, the ability to have a direct conversation with someone who has "walked those corridors" has been instrumental in the rollout's success.
Looking to the Future
With the goal of having all schools live on the system by the end of the academic year, LEO Academy Trust is building a foundation for long-term compliance success. By moving away from a one-size-fits-all corporate tool and towards a platform built for the realities of school life, they are ensuring that their estate management is proactive, transparent, and, above all, safe.
Do you want to future-proof your MAT and gain total visibility across every site?
If you’re ready to establish iAM as your strategic partner for the years ahead, we can help you navigate the process. You can speak to our switching experts here to understand your options and plan a seamless transition.
