Our Networks
#TrustLeaders COO Network
A unique network for academy trust COOs
Connect
Join our community of COOs, which shares ideas thoughts and knowledge, contributing to a sector that thrives
Informed
We provide our members with expertise & insights through our leading events and weekly briefings
Independent
As a fully indpendent organisation we are fully committed to the interests and benefits of our members.
What is the #TrustLeaders COO network?
Following a successful pilot of the COO Network in 2020, the National #TrustLeaders COO Network has gone from strength to strength, with growing numbers of academy trust COOs joining us from across the country. The network has benefitted from inputs from Operations Leaders from business, the health service, sport, and wider education, who have shared their wisdom and advice – as well as other thought-leaders and experts sharing trends and insights from across key operational disciplines.
Membership is for individuals who are acting COOs or equivalent; and we are now inviting applications for membership for a twelve month period. If you are currently a member, renewal information will be sent to you at the end of your current membership.
Being new in post as a COO I have found the networks invaluable. A great forum in which to ask questions and seek support from colleagues about a wide range of topics. There haven’t been any sessions I have attended which I haven’t found useful.
My experiences of the COO network have been really positive – I have particularly valued the wider sector inputs so I can think beyond education. The role of COO can be a lonely one at times so I’ve really valued access to peers across the country
The network has been really beneficial – particularly the opportunity to form partnerships and connections with those who present. Although I am retiring this Summer, I have recommended the network to the incoming COO who will be joining.
National #TrustLeaders COO network
For Academy Trust COOs and similar positions- Five workshop sessions with relevant speakers from a wide range of sectors, focusing on strategic issues ranging from HR and technology to recruitment and sustainability. Two sessions will be held face to face in person (*Covid19 restrictions allowing) and three will be held online.
- One of the above five sessions is the national #TrustLeaders symposium taking place on 5th June 2025 in Nottingham. If your membership begins after this date, it will include the June 2025 event instead.
- Access to the members’ section of the Forum Strategy website, containing dozens of resources for COOs and executive leaders of trusts;
- Access to our regular online Members’ Breakfast briefings and Members’ masterclasses;
- Access to our half-termly Chairs of Trustees seminars for your Chair;
- A complimentary (as of September 2021) individual subscription to our weekly strategy and intelligence email briefing and our fortnightly funding and grants briefings. Please note that briefings are strictly for the individual recipient only and are usually sent during ‘term time’ only.
- Exclusive opportunity for #TrustLeaders members only to access our consultancy expertise for trust board visioning and strategy days; board development training; and executive coaching offers. Please note this provision is subject to availability and is not included in the price of membership, but subject to separate pricing. This specific consultancy offer is not available to non-members.
- All of our networks run continuously throughout the year and you can apply at any time to join. Your 12 month membership will begin on confirmation of your successful application.