This term’s CEO network meeting will focus on leading through challenging times, providing a space for you as CEOs to reflect, share, and gain insight into how we lead effectively during periods of challenge and change. As leaders, navigating external pressures and changes while continuing to support children and young people, communities and staff is more important than ever. This session will explore the latest thinking and practical approaches to resilient and adaptive leadership, ensuring you remain equipped to lead with confidence and clarity.

This CEO network meeting will be led by Michael Pain, founder of Forum Strategy, and will involve:

– The opportunity to hear from Catherine Roche, CEO of national children’s mental health charity Place2Be, who will offer insights into the current landscape of mental health and wellbeing in schools, sharing strategies for maintaining a positive culture in the face of increasing pressures. She will draw on over a decade of leadership experience as CEO and reflect on how CEOs can support both children and young people to thrive, even during challenging times.

– The opportunity to hear from Katie Whirledge, founder and CEO of Papillon Communications, who will explore the role of clear and strategic communication in times of crisis and challenge. She will share good practice and advice for engaging the large range of stakeholders schools and trusts work with – including parents, staff, and the wider community – ensuring transparency and trust remain at the heart of trust leadership.

– A session from Nic Ponsford, CEO of The Global Equality Collective, who will discuss the importance of inclusive leadership in difficult times. She will offer insights into building diverse and equitable school and trust cultures, ensuring all voices are heard, and creating a resilient and inclusive organisation.

– A session from Alice Gregson, CEO of Forum Strategy, who will lead a reflection on the current and future priorities for trust CEOs. This will provide an opportunity to step back, evaluate key challenges, and share strategies for sustaining high-quality leadership while maintaining personal resilience.

The chance to connect with fellow trust CEOs from across the network, sharing experiences and strategies for overcoming common challenges, as well as gaining insights into emerging trends in the sector.

With the education sector facing ongoing pressures, this event will provide an invaluable opportunity for CEOs to step back, reflect, and engage with expert thinking on leading through challenging times. We look forward to welcoming you to this important discussion.

Please note that Papillon and The Global Equality Collective are part of a paid for partnership with Forum Strategy. We choose our partners carefully based on their specific expertise and ethos.

To book onto this event, you must be a current member of Forum Strategy’s National CEO Network. Please use the form below to book your place:

Booking Form