People Power: Solving the MAT Workforce Challenge

As the executive sponsor for the Capita/Entrust DfE National Flexible Working Project, John provides strategic oversight, ensuring that flexible working practices become an integral part of our educational landscape. He also leads the Early Careers Framework Programme for Capita/UoB. John’s 35 years in the field, including 23 years as a senior leader in state secondary schools, have equipped him with invaluable insights into the intricacies of school management.

Michelle is a chartered fellow of the CIPD and an experienced senior leader with over 16 years of HR expertise in the schools sector.  She’s worked in both outsourced HR services for Schools and Trusts and in-house as Director of HR for a Midlands-based Multi-Academy Trust. She’s also an accredited workplace mediator, Safer Recruitment Trainer and workplace coach.

Julie has over 28 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, she has a
genuine understanding of the current challenges facing education. Julie founded Still Human as she believes that when staff health and wellbeing are nurtured, it positively impacts both
the individual and the whole school community.

Jen began her career in higher education, gaining expertise in project management, executive support, and communications. She joined the Ted Wragg Trust in 2023 as Senior Project Manager and now serves as Executive Director, overseeing Communications, Operations and Growth. She loves working across the Trust’s Shared Services to support schools and strengthen community ties, and enjoys welcoming new schools into our Trust.

Simon has been a part of IRIS for almost four years, acting as Managing Director for its Education Division throughout his tenure. As part of his role, Simon is responsible for driving forward IRIS’ evolution, leading the education offering and focusing on meeting the needs of senior leadership teams in Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and independent schools.

Lisa is an experienced HR leader with over 25 years in the public, private, and third sectors. She has worked in the education sector for over a decade, bringing a deep understanding of how effective people strategies can shape and support school communities to thrive. As Director of People, Lisa is passionate about empowering leaders and staff to flourish by creating an inclusive, enabling and values-driven working environment.

Iona leads on turning Edurio’s national datasets into useful and impactful insights for trust and school leaders. Since joining Edurio in 2021, Iona has worked on national reports focused on topics such as equality, diversity and inclusion and staff retention.

Imanta works with the Insights and Content team to build meaningful resources for customers around effective stakeholder feedback. She has developed and implemented guidebooks, seminars and other resources tailored to the needs of customers looking to get the most out of their survey data.

Ben’s research provides national-level insights on key topics such as high-quality education, staff retention, pupil behaviour, and trust culture. Collaborating with industry experts, his work helps guide policy and practice across the sector. Ben’s past experience in Local Councils and Private Education Settings deepens his understanding of current and future challenges.