SNE Event

Diana Osagie

Author, Courageous Leadership

With 20 years' experience leading secondary education, including six years as a successful head teacher in a London secondary school; Diana works at the cutting edge of leadership development. She is known as a resilient school leader,skilled in urban leadership under challenging circumstances. Diana has substantial success in developing school wide models that strategically enhance the quality of teaching and learning across the curriculum and can couple sound strategic vision whilst giving clear operational direction. Diana is also a school inspector with developed expertise scrutinising school wide systems. Diana is the author of the book Courageous Leadership- An hour to quash the tummy flies in your butter! A humorous account of the highs and lows of leading in challenging circumstances, giving strategic insight to leaders who are serving at the chalk face and need someone to honestly share the mistakes, mishaps and triumphs of leadership. With a proven track record of developing leaders via bespoke training programs, Diana founded The Academy of Women's Leadership; specialising in supporting women to grow the leadership cultures of their organisations and to flourish as leaders established in confidence, Diana has established capability in mentoring and supporting leaders facing challenging circumstances and change. Successful leaders have someone in their corner who understands and has overcome similar challenges. We all need an advocate and that is what Diana becomes when you work together, She is an advocate for your leadership.

Julie Liddell

Managing Director, Still Human

Julie has over 25 years experience of teaching Psychology, along with an enthusiasm for sharing simple, effective ways to improve wellbeing.
Having worked in the post 16 sector both as a teacher and a Senior Manager, Julie has a genuine understanding of the current challenges facing education.

Julie founded Still Human as she believes that when staff health and wellbeing is nurtured, it positively impacts both the individual and the whole school community. Still Human is part of the educational support services organisation, The Edwin Group and delivers workshops on a wide range of topics including Stress Management, Mindfulness, the Menopause and Rest, as well as delivering Wellbeing Champion training.

Claire Knowles

Director, Karen Knowles Training and Development LTD

Claire is co-director of Karen Knowles Training and Development and works passionately to develop people to High Performance within their workplace regardless of their role. She specialises in workplace culture, leadership, and robust communication practises with a passion for ‘developing people to succeed’. Claire is a Licensed Insights Discovery Practitioner, specialising in supporting an understanding of self and others with an overall aim of working with businesses to ensure effective communication, Teamwork, and leadership skills for all staff. 

Mick Little

Chief Operating Officer, Ascent Academies Trust

Mick is a qualified Chartered Accountant with 27 years’ experience working in public sector finance, including local authority, education and corporate services. With 11 years’ experience in a MAT as Chief Operating Officer, Deputy CEO and Chief Financial Officer, Mick has vast experience leading all central functions and operations.

Jo Pettifer

Let's Go Zero

Jo is an ex Primary School Assistant Headteacher, who pioneered Climate Action and Sustainability in her Trust before joining Let's Go Zero in September 2023,  Climate Action Advisor Team Leader for the East and West Midlands, her work includes supporting school leaders, local authorities and others to carry out projects that reduce emissions, inspire young people and spark change in the wider community.

Alex Seal

Let's Go Zero

Alex worked in UK secondary schools for 15 years in a variety of roles before joining Let's Go Zero in September 2023.  Employed as a Climate Action Specialist, he helps to provide the most appropriate and effective guidance to our team of Climate Action Advisors by engaging with best practice and sharing examples of successful decarbonisation schemes more widely to inspire progress. He also speaks with wider partners directly, ensuring that the most up to date routes to zero carbon are shared widely and are accessible for all.

Andrea Howard

School Business Leader, Mill Ford Special School

Andrea is a dedicated School Business Leader at a maintained all-through special school. In this role, Andrea has been instrumental in driving administrative excellence and supporting educational initiatives that cater to the unique needs of the students. Recently, Andrea achieved an MA in Educational Leadership from the University of Chester, further solidifying her expertise and commitment to fostering an inclusive and effective learning environment.

With a passion for the professionalisation of the role of school business professionals, Andrea also sits on the NAHT SBL Sector Council where she contributes to steering and developing NAHT’s policy work. This council plays a crucial role in championing the views and needs of a growing sector of membership, ensuring that the perspectives of School Business Leaders are represented and advocated for at a national level. Andrea is also interested in innovative educational strategies and with a strong foundation in leadership, continues to advocate for and implement practices that enhance the overall educational experience for students and staff alike.

Matthew Smith

Business Manager, Sheringham Woodfields School

With 16 years of experience as a Business Manager in the Complex Needs Sector in Norfolk, Matthew remains actively engaged in both local and national discussions focused on securing the best outcomes for pupils and staff within the sector. He's honoured to contribute to this session and share insights from his work. In 2019, Matt was awarded an MBE for services to children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities—a recognition that has only deepened his commitment to supporting children and young adults who face some of the most significant challenges each day.

Peter Gray

Policy Consultant, SEN Policy Research Forum

Peter Gray has worked for over 20 years as a consultant to local and national government on a range of SEND policy and provision issues. He has a particular interest and expertise in SEND funding approaches and has carried out a number of reviews for Local Authorities which have led to positive
progress and outcomes. He has supported the DFE through advisory groups and other discussions
in reviewing their approach to this area and their response to increasing pressures and demands.
He has also had significant involvement in developing effective approaches to behaviour support and intervention and local area systems for the management of alternative provision.
Peter is co-coordinator of the national SEN Policy Research Forum and was previously Chair of NASEN’s Policy Subcommittee.

Pauline Aitchison

Deputy Director, Schools North East & NNoSS Network Lead

Pauline joined Schools North East in July 2017 as Business Manager and was appointed Deputy Director in 2020. She also leads the National Network of Special Schools for School Business Professionals (NNoSS), a network representing 400 schools in the specialist sector across England.

Prior to joining Schools North East in 2017, Pauline was a School Business Manager and has more than 25 years experience of working in education.  She has a wealth of knowledge with an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by schools and is committed to making a difference to the learning chances of all pupils.

Pauline is also experienced in school governance having served on various governing bodies and is currently a trustee of a special school trust and a committee chair.  She has an MBA in strategic leadership and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management.