Over the past decade, Josh has curated the people and infrastructural systems supporting a complex, multi-region, primary, secondary, special and alternative Trust to thrive.  Whether insourcing catering services across 49 sites, developing a capital team to deliver 16 new-builds, leading a whole-Trust talent pipeline programme or ensuring Wellspring’s toilets always smell fresh, Josh’s leadership emphasises people and place.

Prior to Wellspring, Josh held Business Director and Business Manager roles in special and mainstream settings.  He holds an MBA from the University of Sheffield and recently completed the Cabinet Office’s Leading Collaborative Organisations programme, enjoying immersive experiences in other public institutions.

Beyond Wellspring, Josh has served multiple terms as a MAT Trustee and FE Group Governor, he is a founding Director of a Community Interest Company supporting adults with additional needs to have agency in their post-school years, and is a keen road cyclist, where his enthusiasm isn’t matched by his ability.

Jenny Geary, former COO of Save the Children and author of How to be a Chief Operating Officer

Jennifer Geary is a former Managing Director, COO (Chief Operating Officer) and CRO (Chief Risk Officer) with over 25 years of experience in finance, technology, risk and legal, across diverse industries from financial services to not-for-profit.

She spent 13 years in Barclays plc, initially in Investment Banking, followed by Wealth Management and finally as Chief of Staff to the Group General Counsel. Having long held an interest in corporate social responsibility and sustainability, at that point, she seized an opportunity to serve as Chief Operating Officer of Save the Children UK, a £400m NGO which serves in 68 countries and helps 22 million children every year. She has served as COO and CRO of several fintech companies, including a NASDAQ-quoted financial services software company.

She is also a six-time author, speaker, board advisor and mentor to emerging businesses. She has previously qualified as a Chartered Accountant, PRINCE 2 practitioner, CISA and CISSP, with recent certifications in Sustainable Finance, ESG Investing, Ethical AI and Geopolitical Analysis. She is Honorary Visiting Fellow at Bayes Business School.

The agenda for the day is as follows:
Agenda: Leading operational excellence through uncertainty and change

9.15am – Arrival
9.30am – Welcome
9.35am – The context for trust leadership, policy and operational excellence, Michael Pain, CEO Forum Strategy
10.10am – Leading operational excellence through rapid change, uncertainty, and complexity – Jenny Geary, leading expert and author on C-Suite leadership
11.15am – Break
11.30am – Leading operational excellence through rapid change, uncertainty, and complexity – Jenny Geary, leading expert and author on C-Suite leadership
12.35pm – Lunch
1.00pm – The current context for compliance and risk management – Wrigleys Solicitors
1.30pm – A decade of operational growth and innovation; how we make the difference – Josh Greaves, COO, Wellspring Academies
2.15pm – Q & A with Josh and Jenny
2.45pm – Thanks, next steps, and close

To book  your place at thie years conference please complete the form below. Please note, you must be an active member of our #TrustLeaders Network on 13th October 2026 to book your place.