By Louise Hatswell, ASCL Pay and Conditions Specialist: Pay

Schools and colleges cannot thrive if their people are simply surviving. At a time when the education workforce is stretched more than ever, prioritising staff development and wellbeing isn’t optional, it’s essential.
If we want the best for our students, we must do our very best for the staff who support them.

Why culture can’t wait
Recruitment and retention challenges persist across the workforce, and budget constraints mean that leadership teams are stripped to the bone. The data now confirms what leaders are seeing every day. It is therefore no surprise that the latest wellbeing index reports do not paint a good picture at all. The Teacher Wellbeing Index Report (TWIX) 2025 from Education Support found that “the wellbeing of the education workforce is at crisis point”. The report states that “culture remains a critical but under-addressed factor in staff wellbeing”, with 49% of respondents reporting that their organisation’s culture negatively affects their mental health. 

The 2026 School Business Leader (SBL) Wellbeing Index from Education Mutual shows that for business leaders in maintained schools, the biggest factor affecting mental health was excessive workload (64%) followed by funding issues (59%) and long working hours (41%). For those working in trusts, the biggest factor was again excessive workload (62%), followed by a lack of understanding of their role (by colleagues) (44%), and working long unpaid hours (41%). Behind every percentage point is a professional running on empty.

We recognise that there are many actions and improvements needed at a system-wide level and will continue to push for change. However, we also believe that individual schools, colleges and trusts can make effective changes to improve the culture in their organisations.

Putting people at the heart of strategy
We know that many leaders are doing wonderful, effective things around people strategy and culture.
That’s why we have put together our new People and Culture Conference which takes place in Leeds on 8 July. The day will bring together bold thinking, practical strategies and candid discussion about the workforce challenges leaders are navigating right now. You’ll also gain practical tools, real case studies and clear next steps to build a people strategy that works in your setting along with tips and advice on how to build cultures where people genuinely thrive. 

This is a rare opportunity to step back from day-to-day pressures and focus on what really matters: our people.
We are delighted to be joined by Gemma Scotcher from Education Support, who will be joining a panel of leaders from schools, trusts and the DfE to discuss the workforce reality and delivering a workshop on balancing workload and wellbeing.

Keynotes will be focused on the three provocations for the day: the workforce reality, rethinking talent pathways, and supportive school environments and people strategies.  These will be delivered by a fantastic line-up of talented leaders and experts, including Beryce Nixon of Exceed Learning Partnership, Amy Whittall of the Mercian Trust, and Jagdeep Pabla of the National Education Diversity Awards.

The challenge is clear. The need for action is urgent. And culture has to be part of the answer.

Sharing real-life experiences of what works
We know that learning from peers is super important too, so we will have some live case studies, from Taryn Edge of Astrea Academy Trust and Antonia Spinks from Pioneer Educational Trust. Delegates will also receive a case study recording from ASCL Premier Partner, Cooper Parry, on their amazing approach to people strategy, which has led to them being voted the winner of the large business category at the 2025 Inspiring Workplaces Awards.

Whether you're just starting to shape your people strategy or looking to take it further, this conference offers something practical and relevant for every stage.

What about pay and conditions?
Of course, one of the most pressing issues relating to workforce is information on pay awards, so delegates will also receive a recording with the latest updates on pay and conditions from myself. 

Designed to make a difference
What makes this conference different? This isn’t just a conference you attend and move on from. It’s a starting point for real change.

The day will conclude with a synthesis and action planning session, making sure that all delegates leave with clear next steps to action when they are back at their desks. But the learning doesn’t end there! What makes this conference different to most others is that we will be bringing delegates back together for an online check-in in September, to share early implementation experiences and ask questions alongside peers and ASCL policy specialists.

The strongest organisations are built by people who feel valued, supported and able to thrive. Join us in Leeds to help make that vision a reality.