Dear colleague
"The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership."
Harvey S. Firestone (1926)
The best leaders understand this instinctively. They invest in their teams, create opportunities for growth, and build capability across their organisations.
Yet here's what's also true: the pace of change in education means that even the most experienced leaders need to keep learning. The landscape is shifting faster than ever. Sustainability leads became a DfE requirement. The Employment Rights Act reshaped people strategy. AI changed how business leaders think about workload. Recruitment and retention hit crisis point. Each of these wasn't just a new policy to understand – it was a fundamental shift in how we lead.
This is where targeted professional development becomes essential. Not once-and-done training, but continuous learning that keeps pace with what's actually changing. Learning that brings you together with peers facing the same challenges and gives you the tools you need right now.
That is why we are running four events, each responding to a specific, urgent change:
ASCL Sustainability Conference | 5 June, Birmingham
With the DfE requiring all settings should have a Sustainability Lead and Climate Action Plan in place, this event brings together curriculum and operations workshops, student voices, and expert guidance. Get a head start by listening to Emma Harrison's Business Brunch podcast featuring Paul Edmond and Heena Dave, both of whom will be leading sessions on the day.
Business Leader Roadshows | 24 June, Birmingham and 1 July, Cardiff
Addressing what's changing fast: SSSNB, Employment Rights Bill, strategic financial planning, wellbeing insights, and Nathan Hines on resilience under pressure.
People and Culture Conference | 8 July, Leeds
This conference seeks to understand how leaders can respond to the workforce challenge by creating inclusive, flexible and sustainable people strategies with talent pathways for all staff. Highlights include practical strategies for retention, flexible working as a strategic tool, reframing appraisal, and building people strategies that work. The conference offer also includes a follow-up check-in session in September.
Each event tackles what's changing now. In a sector evolving this fast, continuous learning isn't optional, it's how the best leaders stay effective.
Best
wishes
