Trust Matters: Lessons in Leadership

We’re closing series 2 of Trust Matters: Lessons in Leadership with a timely and powerful conversation with Leora Cruddas CBE, Chief Executive of the Confederation of School Trusts (CST) – and one of the most influential voices in the sector today. Leora helps us make sense of the current political, fiscal, and policy landscape. We explore what effective leadership looks like in a time of economic and geopolitical uncertainty, and why values-based decision-making has never been more important. Drawing on her own powerful personal story and career journey, Leora offers a compelling case for strategic, resilient, and deeply human leadership. She shares what gives her hope for the future of the sector – and how trust leaders can help create the conditions for every pupil and adult in the system to truly flourish. LINKS For more on how The Key can support your trust, visit: key.sc/trustsupport Subscribe to our newsletter, Trust Matters: key.sc/trustmatters Connect with Leora Cruddas CBE on LinkedIn: Leora Cruddas CBE All views expressed in this episode are the guest’s own. Any mention of commercial providers, resources or products is on the guest’s recommendation and should not be considered an endorsement by The Key.

Laura McInerney, a former teacher and education journalist, shares her journey from the classroom to co-founding Teacher Tapp, an app that captures teachers’ insights. She discusses the pressing issues of teacher workload and retention, revealing surprising data on educator experiences. McInerney addresses the disconnect between policymakers and teachers, the impact of the pandemic, and the need for supportive workplace cultures. She also highlights the vital role of empathetic leadership and the importance of teacher wellbeing in making education joyful and sustainable.

Becci Owen, Assistant National Mental Health Lead at Oasis Community Learning, shares her expertise in creating scalable mental health programs for schools. She discusses strategies for supporting both students and staff, including a 'Mental Health Matrix' for assessing needs and fostering effective family engagement. Becci emphasizes the importance of strong relationships, trauma-informed practices, and comprehensive training for educators. The conversation also highlights innovative ways to enhance emotional regulation and address mental health challenges exacerbated by the pandemic.

Andrew ‘Bernie’ Bernard, a passionate writer and speaker, focuses on reshaping conversations around masculinity and gender-based violence in schools. He discusses the damaging impact of online misogyny and the urgent need for empathy in education. Bernie emphasizes strategies to create safe environments, engage boys without blame, and empower parents to navigate digital influences. His insights on challenging toxic masculinity and fostering emotional expression in young men highlight the necessity of developing a gender-balanced curriculum.

In this episode, we shine a light on why younger, more diverse voices are essential at the governance table. Our guest is Ellie Gadsby, a 26-year-old trustee at Northumberland Church of England Academy Trust, and a former student of the same school. Ellie joined the board in 2022 and brings a unique combination of lived experience, professional insight, and a deep understanding of her community. In a conversation full of honesty and inspiration, Ellie explains what it actually means to be a trustee in a multi-academy trust, how the opportunity came about, and why she believes it’s vital for boards to reflect the communities their schools serve. She speaks openly about navigating imposter syndrome, balancing her trustee role alongside her legal career, and what she’s learned from working with more experienced board members. We also explore how young professionals can bring fresh thinking to decision-making, how schools and trusts can open up governance roles to more diverse candidates, and why inclusivity isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential for effective leadership. Ellie’s story is a compelling call to action: for boards to become more future-ready, for schools to create real pathways into governance, and for young people to recognise their potential to lead. This episode is essential listening for anyone involved in governance, leadership, or curious about how to build more representative and purposeful trust boards. LINKS For more on how The Key can support your trust, visit: key.sc/trustsupport Subscribe to our newsletter, Trust Matters: key.sc/trustmatters Connect with Ellie on LinkedIn: Ellie Gadsby

Jayne Lowe OBE, a national advisor to the Department for Education, sheds light on effective strategies for tackling school attendance. With her extensive experience in education, she discusses the importance of visible leadership in fostering an 'attendance-drenched' culture. Jayne shares practical steps for overcoming barriers like SEND and mental health, highlights the role of data in improving attendance, and emphasizes building trust with families. The conversation is a treasure trove of insights for leaders aiming to create supportive, high-expectation school environments.

In the final episode of series 1, we’re joined by James Pope, former headteacher and founder of HeadsUp4HTs, an innovative support network for school leaders. James reflects on his journey in education, including the challenges he faced as a first-time headteacher in a school grappling with systemic issues and a ‘Special measures’ grading from Ofsted which eventually led to his resignation - an experience captured in the BBC documentary series School. Together, we delve into some of the most pressing issues facing education today including how to improve headteacher wellbeing, why education seems to have lost its sense of purpose, and what can be done to align schools with the rapidly evolving world outside the classroom. James shares insights on the common struggles of senior leaders, the role of MATs and LAs in supporting staff, and practical strategies for fostering wellbeing in school communities. We also tackle larger systemic challenges, including the pressures of Ofsted, funding constraints, and a curriculum that doesn’t always cater to the full spectrum of students. James presents a vision for a more inclusive, purpose-driven education system that values broader measures of success and supports both student and staff wellbeing. Tune in for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation that closes out series 1 with a bold call to action for the future of education. For more on how The Key can support your trust, visit key.sc/trustsupport or get in touch with our team here: key.sc/trust-enquiry  Don’t forget to also subscribe to our monthly newsletter, Trust Matters, at key.sc/trustmatters. To find out more about James Pope, visit his LinkedIn profile. All views expressed in this episode are the guest's own. Any mention of commercial providers, resources or products is on the guest’s recommendation and should not be considered an endorsement by The Key.

In this week’s episode, we welcome Neil Miley, the newly appointed CEO of Mercia Learning Trust, who shares a unique glimpse into his journey through his first 100 days in leadership. With a career rooted in education and a dedication to supporting staff and students alike, Neil reflects on the challenges and successes he’s encountered as he transitions into his role. We delve into Neil’s observations on building trust and cohesion among senior leaders and staff, his approach to understanding Sheffield’s educational landscape, and the adjustments he’s making to foster a supportive, innovative culture at Mercia. Neil shares his experiences and insights from transitioning from Dixons Academies Trust to Mercia, comparing the distinctive cultures and strategies of each, including ground breaking initiatives like the 9-day working fortnight at Dixons. We explore whether similar flexible working policies could be on the horizon at Mercia and the importance of adapting leadership practices to fit community needs and local contexts. In our conversation, Neil also reveals the impact of documenting his first 100 days - highlighting his reflections on establishing a leadership style, creating open communication channels, and developing a vision for sustainable, internally-driven growth at Mercia. Moving away from Ofsted-driven decisions, Neil shares his vision for fostering an educational environment that prioritises the growth and development of students and staff alike, beyond external frameworks and metrics. Whether you're an educational leader, aspiring CEO, or someone passionate about trust leadership, this episode offers an honest look into what it takes to lead with vision, balance, and community awareness. For more on how The Key can support your trust, visit key.sc/trustsupport or get in touch with our team here: key.sc/trust-enquiry  Don’t forget to also subscribe to our monthly newsletter, Trust Matters, at key.sc/trustmatters. To find out more about Neil Miley, visit his LinkedIn profile. All views expressed in this episode are the guest's own. Any mention of commercial providers, resources or products is on the guest’s recommendation and should not be considered an endorsement by The Key.

In this episode, we sit down with Katie Oliver, managing director at Ark Start, as she shares insights into Ark’s mission to transform early years education. With a deep commitment to making high-quality early education accessible for all, Katie brings her expertise to discuss Ark Start’s unique approach to supporting young learners and their families. Ark Start is at the core of Ark’s 10-year strategy, focusing on creating early education programs that go beyond traditional childcare. Katie explains what makes Ark Start unique: from its emphasis on affordability and high standards to its year-round, community-focused operations. She shares how Ark Start nurtures each child’s development with a robust early learning model, ensuring that education, rather than just care, is at the heart of each nursery. Katie also highlights Ark Start’s emphasis on early intervention, as qualified staff are equipped to identify additional needs, providing crucial support from a young age. We dive into Ark Start’s growth, with nurseries operating both inside and outside of Ark schools, and Katie talks about the opportunities and challenges of expanding Ark Start’s community reach. She shares the importance of balancing Ark Start’s unique identity while drawing on Ark’s broader values and resources, and what it means to create a supportive and consistent experience across all settings. Katie also addresses current challenges in the early years sector, including the recruitment crisis and the need for more qualified EYFS professionals. She discusses Ark’s strategies to recruit and retain talent, and how the DfE’s recent push for more early years staff might support the sector’s growth. For other education leaders, Katie offers practical advice on building a sustainable, impactful early years model that prioritises both accessibility and excellence. Join us for this conversation as Katie unpacks Ark Start’s journey, vision, and what lies ahead in the mission to provide every child with the best possible start. For more on how The Key can support your trust, visit key.sc/trustsupport or get in touch with our team here: key.sc/trust-enquiry  Don’t forget to also subscribe to our monthly newsletter, Trust Matters, at key.sc/trustmatters. To find out more about Katie Oliver, visit her LinkedIn profile. All views expressed in this episode are the guest's own. Any mention of commercial providers, resources or products is on the guest’s recommendation and should not be considered an endorsement by The Key.

In part 2 of our conversation with Stephen Steinhaus, CEO of Solihull Alternative Provision Multi-Academy Trust, we delve deeper into the challenges and changes shaping alternative provision and mainstream education today. If you missed part 1, we recommend catching up for context on Stephen’s unique journey and his experience in founding the MAT. In this episode, Stephen sheds light on the troubling rise in permanent exclusions across schools, examining the factors driving these numbers and the need for a more supportive, integrated approach. We discuss how mainstream and alternative settings can build stronger partnerships to support students facing challenges in traditional school environments, offering practical strategies for collaboration that can benefit students, staff, and families alike. Stephen emphasises the importance of an adaptable, student-centred approach that meets young people where they are- rather than expecting them to conform to a one-size-fits-all model. We also tackle the current recruitment crisis in education, a challenge impacting both mainstream and alternative provisions nationwide. Stephen shares his thoughts on why the teaching profession is struggling to attract and retain talent and what he thinks needs to change to encourage more young people into the profession. For more on how The Key can support your trust, visit key.sc/trustsupport or get in touch with our team here: key.sc/trust-enquiry  Don’t forget to also subscribe to our monthly newsletter, Trust Matters, at key.sc/trustmatters. To find out more about Stephen Steinhaus, visit his LinkedIn profile. All views expressed in this episode are the guest's own. Any mention of commercial providers, resources or products is on the guest’s recommendation and should not be considered an endorsement by The Key.