Case Studies

Change is happening faster than ever and as the world shifts so do the rules, the world of education is tricky enough but if we are playing by the old rules, are we accidentally opening ourselves up to a whole load of problems?

To be able to thrive in this super-fast environment, it’s important to recognise what you bring to your schools and settings and know how you can be at your best more often.

In the Art of being brilliant we use cutting edge research in the science of human flourishing but have surgically removed the big words and replaced them with simple, doable principles and techniques that are applicable both at work and at home. We like to think of it as your personal upgrade that allows you to thrive no matter what the world throws at you.

So, let’s spend some time reconnecting you with you and just see what’s possible.

JONATHAN PEACH, THE ART OF BRILLIANCE

We explore effective financial management within estate operations. We cover the basics of estate management, including budgeting, risk management, and sustainability efforts. We discuss strategies for allocating funds across infrastructure, facilities, sustainability projects, and community engagement, stressing the importance of prioritisation. We share practical insights through case studies and examples, highlighting key takeaways. Additionally, we introduce accessible tools and resources for financial planning. Emphasising the significance of strategic asset management, we encourage continual learning and collaboration.

DAN NEWTON, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER CHARLES GARTH CHARTERED SURVEYORS

In an environment of tightening budgets, the challenge of obtaining value for money while simultaneously improving outcomes and maximising social impact within the community becomes increasingly critical. You will hear Lindsays experiences of delivering commercial activity in the most efficient and effective way possible, enabling cashable savings to be re-purposed back into frontline education.

DAVID SHIELDS, CEO, VALUE MATCH SERVICES

Menopause will affect every single woman at some point in their lives.

Given that 76% of teaching staff in the UK (86% in Primary Schools)​, 93% of Teaching Assistants and 90% of support staff are female​ – menopause is of particular importance to the education community.

Menopause however isn’t just an issue for ‘women of a certain age’ it is a whole-school issue. Younger women, partners, colleagues, managers and senior leaders can all benefit from understanding more about menopause.

Join Julie in this session to gain knowledge and understanding of what menopause is and learn how to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for those experiencing this transition.

JULIE LIDDELL, MANAGING DIRECTOR STILL HUMAN

This session will cover:

• The statutory flexible working request procedure including the government guidance to schools on this
• Policies and Procedures – what schools and trusts need to have in place
• Who can request this, what are the rules around requests and what types of changes can be requested
• How employers should deal with such requests including the procedure and decision making
• Tricky situations such as recruitment and dealing with more than one request at a time
• The risks of getting it wrong and how best to protect the trust
• Top tips on managing flexible working requests

JILL DONABIE, PARTNER, MUCKLE

CLAIRE DRUERY, CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER, BISHOP CHADWICK CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST

The session will cover Risk in schools and how this can be effectively managed at all levels. This will include the concept and purpose of risk controls and assurance and how risk appetite is considered. The discussions set out steps to develop a risk management process, including policy and an effective framework. The session will share experiences including lessons learnt and common pitfalls from developing and implementing a new framework and approach to monitoring and managing risk.

Overall the session is intended to demonstrate how risk management is a key part of effective governance and how this can be implemented and embedded within Schools and Academies.

The session is relevant to all schools and academies, from all sectors.

MICK LITTLE, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, ASCENT ACADEMIES TRUST

The session will cover an update on the DPDI bill currently going through Parliament as well as some key information about data protection compliance for schools, including:

• The role of audits
• How to prepare your RoPA
• What does good data protection training look like
• Why is data protection everyone’s responsibility
• The key to your retention nightmares
• How to avoid data breaches
• What to do if you experience a data breach, and how to deal with requests for information.

The session will offer practical advice that will assist whether you are the person responsible for data protection in your school or not.

DEBBIE PETTIFORD, DATA PROTECTION OFFICER, THE DP ADVICE SERVICE

Recent statistics show that permanent exclusions in schools has increased year on year by 40%. Join Graham Vials of Ward Hadaway for a session covering pupil suspension and exclusions, including guidance on the role of the Head Teacher, Governors, SEN Expert and the Independent Review Panel (IRP) – with top tips on how to manage risks, how get your processes right, how to avoid common legal pitfalls and general best practice.

GRAHAM VIALS, PARTNER, WARD HADAWAY

An exploration of 10 domains:

1. Impact on teaching
2. Process and quality
3. Resource planning and deployment
4. Performance management and action
5. Training and development
6. Human performance
7. Leadership/management capability
8. Risk
9. Productivity and cost control
10. Technology effectiveness

STEPHEN MORALES, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, INSTITUTE OF SCHOOL BUSINESS LEADERSHIP (ISBL)

In this informative workshop, Bryan will share practical information to help you take control of your energy budget, lower costs, and even recover money back into your budget. Bryan helps schools navigate the turbulent energy market and will offer his insight and share top tips to help you protect your budget and avoid risks and pitfalls.

The workshop will provide practical tips to reduce energy consumption and lower your costs, while offering Bryan’s experience of helping schools recover thousands of pounds in incorrectly charged bills.

Bryan will also help you understand how to start your net zero journey and offer best practice tips gained from helping schools secure thousands of pounds of funding to decarbonise their school and implement energy efficiency measures.

This is a session that offers key takeaways and practical tips to optimise your energy use, protect your school budget and accelerate your Net Zero Journey.

BRYAN MCCOURT, ENERGY SOLUTIONS CONSULTANT NE, ZENERGI