Founder of the CST, Leora has advised governments, been part of the advisory group for the Schools White Paper, and sits on the Regulatory and Commissioning Review.
As CEO of ISBL and Group Chief Executive Officer of Centre for Education Operational Excellence, Stephen has championed the professionalisation of the school business management workforce and works closely with the DfE around policy reform.
National head of Browne Jacobson's education team, Nick is recognised as a leading expert in education by The Legal 500. Nick specialises in corporate and governance advice.
Educational Advisor
Maura is the founding CEO of Carmel Education Trust, now known as Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust, winning the Lifetime Achievement award at the 2024 MAT Excellence Awards.
Founder, Rising Stars
Andrea is an experienced and passionate business leader. She is founder of education company Rising Stars, chairman of Teacher Tapp and Mable Therapy and board director of the Teacher Development Trust.
Founder and CEO, No Outsiders
Andrew Moffat MBE is a British teacher at Parkfield Community School in Birmingham, and the author of several books and educational resources, including the No Outsiders programme, an approach to teaching primary school-aged children about diversity and tolerance.
CFO, River Learning Trust
Benedicte started with River Learning Trust in 2019 and has over 30 years’ experience in audit and finance. Benedicte was CFO of the year in 2023 for her contribution to system leadership and innovation.
Chairperson, National Association for Hospital Education
Cath is an independent consultant and a member of the AP Reference Stakeholder and AP Implementation Group. She was CEO of The Skylark Partnership.
Co-founder, The Influence Crowd
After more than 20 years interviewing MAT CEOs, school leaders and teachers to highlight best practice as part of her job, Catherine is passionate about championing and rewarding innovation in this sector.
Director of Governance, The Mead Educational Trust
Cathy has responsibility for the strategic leadership of governance across the Trust and won Governance Professional of the Year in the 2024 MAT Excellence Awards.
Managing Director, CST Professional Development
Charis worked at the Chartered Governance Institute and has held roles with publishers, heritage organisations, and start-ups. She has chaired school boards and is currently a MAT trustee.
Partner & Education Lawyer, VWV
Chloe is an educational lawyer at VWV. She has a particular focus on DfE policy, charity law, company law, collaborative working and governance models including the establishment and operation of multi academy trusts.
Director, CJK Associates Ltd
Chris works with trusts to develop strategies and implement better operating models. He has 25 years in leadership management and strategy in the education sector.
Founding CEO, Inspire Learning Partnership
Claire is the CEO of a Trust that serves Hampshire and Southampton, she is passionate about transforming the lives and building futures for all children by focussing on quality research and learning for all staff.
Partner, Browne Jacobson LLP
Dai is an expert education lawyer at Browne Jacobson LLP and heads up the north west team based in their Manchester office.
Business Advisor, Chair of Trustees
David is a values-led and empathic leader of strategy, transformation and ongoing operational delivery with a wide portfolio of experience and a multi disciplined background in FTSE 100 plc, private equity/ownership and the public sector.
Leadership Coach and Trainer
With 22 years’ experience leading secondary education, including a successful head teacher in a London secondary school and then as an executive head, Diana works at the cutting edge of leadership development.
Founder, PedTech
Named in 2024 as one of the Top 5 Visionary Women in Education, Fiona is an award winning academic with a passion for supporting those who work with young people.
Consultant School Business Leader
As a Consultant, SRMA and Mentor, Emma is passionate about helping SBLs grow in confidence and capability, and loves any excuse to bring SBLs together to network, collaborate and share improvement ideas.
Partner, Browne Jacobson LLP
Emma, Chartered Fellow of the CIPD - Head of HR Services, Emma has over 15 years’ experience in generalist HR in both the private sector and the public sector.
Head of Specialist Provision, Essential Education Group Ltd
Emma was a teacher for more than 20 years, working in a range of environments. Emma’s passion to support SEND has derived from her professional and personal journey.
CEO, Edurio
Ernest is the CEO of Edurio, an organidation which helps school groups improve the way they use stakeholder feedback.
Governance Consultant, SBW Governance
An experienced chair and clerk, Fee works for and in a number of academy trusts as their governance professional, promoting the development of effective governance.
Neurodivergent educator
Frances is a SEND advisor, trainer and author. Frances co-launched BAMEed SEND hub as part of the BAMEed Network, a network for educators which aims to address racial inequities in education.
Education Adviser, Studio 3
Gareth has 25 years’ experience working in schools, the last 17 of which were as SENCO in a large, inclusive secondary school. Gareth has extensive ‘front-line’ experience supporting schools and families and working directly with young people.
Founder and Director, the Belonging Effect
Hannah is the founder and director of the Belonging Effect (formerly Diverse Educators), an international training company committed to moving the agenda forwards regarding diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in our school system. She is the author of Cultivating Belonging in Schools (SAGE, 2026).
Consultant School Business Leader, BuoyantImpact
Helen is co-chair of UKSSN Ops Group. She has held leadership roles in education for over 20 years within private and state schools and is a ISBL Fellow and Trustee.
Communications, Commercial and Strategy Specialist
John advises schools on culture, reputation, and branding. He supports MAT formation, growth, and strategy, while enhancing external communications and pupil development.
CEO, Neon Innovation
With over 40 years of cutting-edge innovation and technology development experience, John leads a team helping ambitious companies develop world-beating products, processes and services.
Education Leadership Advisor, Mentor and Public Speaker
John has dedicated his career to raising the bar for all young people, and closing the attainment gap for the disadvantaged.
Mentor, Assistant Principal in South London, co-founder of Black Men Teach
Johnoi Josephs is an award-winning educator, mentor, and specialist in Student Climate and Culture whose work centres on representation, visibility, and creating environments where young people can truly thrive.
Leadership Advisor, Former Trust CEO
Jon is a qualified teacher and former CEO of a trust overseeing 42 schools. He led the trust from its inception until 2023 and now works as a leadership advisor, coach, mentor and visiting lecturer.
Business Management Adviser to Schools, Trusts
Justine is an experienced business manager and chartered accountant. She has an independent consultancy supporting education organisations with operational improvement, business leadership and organisational effectiveness.
Award-winning speaker and wellbeing consultant
Kelly Hannaghan, award-winning speaker and wellbeing consultant, empowers organizations to create healthy cultures, boost engagement, and achieve outstanding outcomes.
Founder, Nourish the Workplace
Kimberley is the founder of Nourish, an orgnanisation which helps schools improve the wellbeing, health and happiness of their staff. Kimberley also co-authored The Big Book of Whole School Wellbeing.
Education Leadership Consultant, Former Trust CEO
Liz has led significant improvement in schools, both as headteacher and as CEO of Djanogly Learning Trust. Liz has extensive experience working with trusts looking to further grow and develop.
Director, Trust Governance Professionals
A graduate of the Chartered Governance Institute’s Qualifying Programme, Lizzie has over 15 years of experience in education and skills research, and was a Director of Governance and Compliance for an academy trust.
Deputy Headteacher and Co-founder of MixEd
Louise is a Deputy Headteacher & Co-founder of MixEd-dedicated to empowering and amplifying mixed-heritage voices.
Partner, Browne Jacobson LLP
Mark is a leading expert in education law and governance and has been recommended as a leader in his field for almost 20 years in Chambers and Legal 500.
Policy and Research Officer, NGA
Megan’s role at NGA involves leading on the environment and sustainability policy area; creating relevant guidance, training and delivering informational talks to governors and trustees.
Independent Education Consultant
Natalie is an independent education consultant, specialising in school improvement, SEN and outstanding teaching. Natalie is also a published author.
Education and Mental Health Consultant
Nicola Harvey is an Education & Mental Health Consultant, Published Author, and former SEND Teacher with over 15 years' experience.
Executive Leader and Leadership Development Coach
Patrick has been a headteacher for over 18 years and now works with CEOs to redefining their values-based vision, structures, and MAT growth strategy.
Chief Finance and Sustainability Officer, HEART Academies Trust
Co-chair of the new UK School Sustainability Network Operations group, Paul works to help support staff navigate a way to a more sustainable future.
Director of Trust Governance, CST
Samira has been involved in school governance for over a decade. Prior to joining CST, she served as Head of Governance and Company Secretary at Academies Enterprise Trust, a trust with 57 schools.
Founder and Managing Director, TPC Therapy
Shahana is founder and director of TPC Therapy, a mental health service that supports organisations to become trauma-informed and attachment aware.
Director of School Improvement SEND, Authentic Education
With 10 years as an experienced SENDCo and 7 as a MAT leader for SEND, Simon has developed effective SEND practice across multiple MATs. He was previously national director of SEND for E-ACT, and leads on SEND and MAT SEND reviews across the country.
Executive Leadership Consultant
Steve Lancashire, founder and former CEO of REAch2, the largest primary academy trust in England, has more than 35 years of educational experience. Sir Steve has made a profound impact on education both nationally and internationally, serving as the lead adviser for the Department for Education’s London Challenge.
Director of Teaching Hub, Chiltern Learning Trust
Sufian joined Chiltern Learning Trust in 2018 and is currently their Director of Talent and Teaching School.
Head of Education, PLMR
Public relations specialist Tiffany is co-founder and Chair of Trustees of Maritime Academy Trust, Trustee of Independent Governor Support and Co-Founder of NED ED.
Partner, Browne Jacobson LLP
Tom is experienced in all levels of HR Management including complex union negotiations, high level safeguarding cases and large-scale restructures.
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