Two Trust Conference brings 500 staff and governors together for ‘inspirational’ professional development day

Building a culture of excellence where everyone can thrive was the ethos behind a joint professional development conference led by The Societas Trust and The New Guild Trust.

Both organisations joined forces to launch the Two Trust Conference 2025 which was attended by 500 staff and governors from 15 schools.

Colleagues from across both Trusts took part in the professional development day, which focussed on the theme of inclusion.

Organised by Inspiring Leaders, the event at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Stoke-on-Trent involved colleagues in a wide range of roles including school governors, headteachers, teachers, teaching assistants and office staff.

Jon Lovatt, Chief Executive Officer, The Societas Trust, said: “This event is all about the partnership between the two Trusts. It’s a chance to reflect on what we do well and the strength of working together.

“We serve such varied communities with diverse and complex needs. The conference is an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to our staff and celebrate the great job that they do in supporting those communities.”

Karen Peters, Chief Executive Officer, The New Guild Trust, added: “This event is a celebration of bringing two Trusts together for an extra special day listening to inspirational speakers as well as having the time to stop, think and reflect at the end of a very busy term.

“I hope staff take away a real sense of pride. We’re all in this together and it’s great to be able to connect with another like-minded Trust that has its community at its heart.”

Delegates attended a series of workshops during the conference on 11^th April 2025, which explored topics including:

• the principles of effective teaching and learning.
• promoting and sustaining a culture of wellbeing and effectiveness.
• embedding an early years environment that embraces neurodiversity.
• key communication skills for developing a high performing team.
• the role of governors in driving inclusive practice.

 

The keynote speakers included Kriss Akabusi MBE, the former sprint and hurdling track and field athlete who shared his personal, educational and career journey.

Amy Baxter, a Senior Education Adviser for SEND, discussed inclusion by design and how it should be at the heart of organisations and the curriculum rather than something separate.

Meanwhile, Will Ord, a UK-based educational trainer and speaker, shared his insights as a specialist in thinking skills and religious as well as citizenship education.

Danielle Lindop, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator, Alexandra Junior School, The New Guild Trust, said: “It’s massive today, it’s all about what I do day to day. So, the fact that our Trusts are dedicated enough to put on an event like this given the range of speakers and themes of the day – it’s massive because it helps me to do my job better. It’s been quite energising to be around like minded professionals from different backgrounds but knowing that we’re in the same boat. It’s been reassuring that we’re all on the right track.”

Ralf Muller, Headteacher of Alexandra Junior School, The New Guild Trust, said: “As a school leader, it is important that we were able to bring all of our staff to this event because we all contribute to the success of the school. You know you’re not alone and you can tackle challenges together. We have started on a journey to collaborate. I hope this will grow and turn into something bigger.”

Nadia Farooq, Senior Leader and Year 6 Class Teacher at Summerbank Primary Academy, The Societas Trust, said: “It’s an opportunity to gather fresh ideas and reflect on your own teaching, making it better for the children. It’s about building network links and sharing valuable insights and a celebration of everybody coming together from all of the schools across the Trusts.”

Michael Fair, Chair of Governors at Carmountside Primary Academy and Vice Chair of Governors at Summerbank Primary Academy, The Societas Trust, said: “I find it very encouraging that the role of governance is being fully recognised. The main benefit of this event is the networking and bringing people together across two Trusts. It’s like having an extended family.”

Ed Leighton, Vice Chair of Governors at Ash Green Primary Academy, The Societas Trust, said: “We’re a very small but mighty governing body. It’s really great to talk to other governors about the successes and challenges they face and ultimately to work together in the very best interests of the children in our schools.”

James Brown, Managing Director, Inspiring Leaders, which provides professional development and teacher training programmes and organises conferences, added: “Inspiring Leaders have been privileged to work alongside both The Societas Trust and The New Guild Trust to organise such an important event.

 

“We hosted every staff member from all 15 schools in the partnership as well as wider school stakeholders, including governors, for a day of inspiring and insightful learning. As a provider of training and support to MATs, it's been brilliant to be able to help facilitate an event that works for everyone involved and is focussed on enabling everyone to thrive. We very much look forward to working with the two Trusts again in the future.”