New guidance could result in a formal notice to improve from the ESFA for failing to manage school estates. Here's how to mitigate that riskNew guidance could result in a formal notice to improve from the ESFA for failing to manage school estates. A new clause has been introduced which allows the ESFA to serve a Notice to Improve (NtI) to trustees and the executive for ‘failing to manage or maintain their estate strategically and effectively’. This new handbook requirement makes it essential for trusts to have or recruit a board member with estates expertise. Boards hold the corporate responsibility for health and safety, and thus any risk to life sits with them.