ASCL CEO Network - London

Beyond School Improvement: The next chapter for trust leadership

This event will explore the evolving role of trusts as civic institutions within a changing education and public service landscape. As devolution gathers pace and expectations of public institutions continue to evolve, the discussion will consider how trust leaders contribute not only to educational excellence but also to stronger communities and places.

The conversation will also explore what these developments mean for future education policy and the role trusts can play in shaping public value.

Speaker

Pepe Di'Iasio

ASCL General Secretary

Kathryn Morgan

ASCL Leadership and Workforce Specialist

Sue Collings

CEO, Alliance Schools Trust

Why attend ASCL's CEO Network

The ASCL CEO Network provides a trusted space for trust CEOs to step away from the immediate demands of their roles and explore the strategic issues shaping education. It brings together external thinking, leadership experience and peer discussion, helping CEOs make sense of a rapidly changing policy landscape and learn from one another.

The Network is primarily a space for strategic sense-making and peer learning. The insight generated through these conversations will also help ASCL understand the realities of trust leadership and inform our wider policy work.

Ongoing Programme

Monthly sessions will feature insights from leading thinkers, facilitated peer discussion, and explore the key challenges and opportunities shaping trust leadership. The Network is designed as an ongoing conversation, with each session building on previous discussions and emerging insights.

Who is this for?

This Network is designed primarily for Trust CEOs who lead multi-academy trusts and are looking to engage in strategic discussion about the realities of trust leadership.

It is particularly suited to CEOs who want to:

Reflect on the challenge and complex decision-making involved in leading trusts.
Learn from other trust leaders in a trusted peer environment.
Gain insights from research, external experts and thought leaders.
Better understand and respond to the evolving education and policy landscape.
Contribute to shaping ASCL's future policy development and support for trust leaders.

The Network is aimed at leaders who value strategic thinking beyond day-to-day operational demands and want to participate in an ongoing conversation with peers throughout the academic year, helping them make sense of emerging issues affecting the education sector.

Programme

ASCL reserves the right to amend the programme should circumstances dictate.
Theme: Beyond School Improvement: The next chapter for trust leadership

14:00		Welcome and framing Pepe Di'Iasio, ASCL General Secretary

14:15		Keynote Ed Vainker Hosted by Sue Collings, CEO, Alliance Schools Trust The next chapter for trust leadership Civic leadership and place Trusts as anchor institutions Collaboration across public services The opportunities presented by devolution Leadership beyond organisational boundaries

15:00		Refreshment break

15:15		CEO roundtable discussion Facilitated by Sue Collings, CEO, Alliance Schools Trust What role should trusts play beyond school improvement? How should CEOs think about civic leadership? What opportunities and risks does devolution create? What partnerships matter most? How can government create the conditions for trusts to contribute more effectively to place?

14:45		From discussion to policy Facilitated by Kathryn Morgan, ASCL Leadership and Workforce Specialist Drawing together the discussion into a series of policy themes: What we have heard Emerging opportunities Barriers requiring national attention Priorities for ASCL's policy work Questions to explore through the CEO Network during 2027

17:20		Closing reflections Key messages Future CEO Network programme

		17.30 onwards Dinner