Past Event

Dr Shirley Woods-Gallagher

Executive Director Leadership, Health & Care, New Bridge Group, Inspirational Speaker, Podcaster, Advisor, Book Reviewer and Executive

Shirley is an unapologetic, empowered Autistic leader of public services in the specialist school sector in the UK. She leads the national network of sector regional leaders for the Medicines In Specialist Schools Group. She is a recipient of a UNESCO and International Federation of Inclusive Practitioners Global Inclusion Awards in both 2025 and 2024 for her leadership. She is a Trustee for the Greater Manchester charity, Respect for All who provide counselling to people who are either Autistic and/or have a learning disability. The charity won the MACC Spirit of Manchester Campaign Award in 2023 and a UNESCO IFIP Global Inclusion Award 2024 for social impact. She is also a member of the Advisory Panel for Children’s Viewing at the British Board of Film Classification. She is also an Advisor for Invest In Play. Her expertise as a writer, speaker, executive director, and advisor has enabled her to drive critical discussions on neuroinclusion from an intersectional perspective, helping organisations and individuals alike become more neuroinclusive. Through her work, she continues to make neuroinclusion an intentional act for all ages from early years right through to work and skills.

Ben Greene

Associate, Browne Jacobson

Ben is an Associate in Browne Jacobson’s education employment team and advises on employment law matters in the education sector.

Having advised schools and universities since 2021, Ben understands the complexities of the education sector and is able to advise on Burgundy book terms, holiday pay issues and safeguarding concerns.

Joanna Parry

National Officer, Education team, UNISON

Joanna is currently a National Officer in UNISON’s Education team, focusing on policy and campaigning work around pay and professional issues affecting school support staff. Joanna is interested in training and development for school support staff and highlighting the value they add value to pupils’ education and wider experience at school. These interests are reflected in the development of UNISON’s Skills for Schools website and the introduction of a national celebration day for school support staff, Stars in Our Schools.

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.