This roundtable will be hosted by Michael Pain and Dr. Steve Munby. As the range of challenges facing trusts and schools grows, as does the complexity, it is clear the system is adapting and innovating in response. Trusts are focusing on areas of highest impact and need, deepening their expertise and capacity in areas such as behaviour, attendance, sustainability, SEND, and much more. It is, however, becoming difficult for trusts to achieve deep expertise and cutting-edge expertise across all areas – reinforcing the importance of sharing knowledge and strategies through collaboration .

At last year’s Forum Strategy Symposium, Michael Pain floated the idea of trusts developing and promoting their specialisms through system leadership. This roundtable will consider how trusts can build specialist expertise, promote their thinking and strategies, and support other trusts to achieve impact and high quality services through collaboration.

The roundtable will focus on three questions
– What does trust level specialism look like? What is required in terms of the level of expertise, knowledge and capacity required to provide trust to trust support? What areas is it most needed?
– How can specialist expertise be identified and promoted? Is it self-promoted by trusts themselves? Or does it require a centralised model?
– What does impactful trust to trust support look like? How would it be quality assured?

This event will take place at 9.30am – 1pm (including lunch) on 12th November 2025 at the Hotel du Vin in Birmingham. Places will be limited to 20 per event and will be provided on a first come – first served basis. Please email admin@forumstrategy.org to book your place.