Event
10/06/2026 - 10/06/2026
The event brings together School Business Leaders, Finance professionals and Sustainability Leaders for a variety of industry-leading keynote speakers and workshops which aim to inspire and provide valuable CPD, combined with an excellent opportunity to grow your network and collaborate with fellow colleagues and peers.
Updates on key topics, including the energy market; procurement and compliance; DfE targets; decarbonisation; and funding opportunities
Network and share knowledge with your local colleagues.
Meet with subject matter experts and access practical information to take back to school.
Understand the products and services that can improve operations in your school.
Sessions to equip you with a range of tools and ideas which will facilitate employee wellbeing and balance at work and in your personal life.
Practical examples of schools implementing successful sustainability strategies.
Attendance and parking is free and all food and refreshments throughout the day are complimentary.
Following a break in 2025, we’re building on the overwhelming success of previous years, and are committed to making this year’s event bigger and better than ever! Our aim is for you to enjoy this free event and leave energised, confident, and refreshed, armed with a range of practical tools and information.
Speaker: Laura Williams, founder of L J Business Consultancy Ltd.
Overview: With warmth, humour and straight- talking, Laura shines a light on the invisible leadership that keeps schools running smoothly.
This session explores quiet influence, meaningful impact beyond job titles, and the boundaries that protect wellbeing and prevent burnout.
Ideal for support teams, operational leaders, admin, HR, finance, estates and central services.
Delegates leave feeling recognised, confident and reassured — with practical ways to lead sustainably.
Speaker: Nick Drake, Net Zero Director, Zenergi
Overview: This interactive session explores how schools can prepare for the three key climate risks identified by the DfE: overheating, flooding and water scarcity.
Nick Drake, Zenergi’s Director of Net Zero, will share insights from the Greener Schools Index and demonstrate how schools can strengthen resilience through practical planning.
Working in facilitated peer groups, delegates will identify vulnerabilities, prioritise actions and explore how sustainability can be embedded into everyday decision-making, leaving with greater confidence to plan for long-term climate resilience.
Speaker: Tracey Field, founder of Tracey Field Consulting Ltd.
Overview: Many professionals underestimate the value of the skills they use every day. In this reflective and motivating session, Tracey shares how recognising her own “hidden skills” shaped an unexpected and varied career journey.
This keynote isn’t about career moves, it’s about perspective. Delegates will be encouraged to reassess their experience, recognise their strengths and feel more confident in shaping what comes next.
Speaker: Laura Drury, Happiness Facilitator & Consultant, Laughology
Overview: An energising and interactive keynote exploring positive communication through the principles of improvisation.
Through light-hearted activities, delegates will build confidence, creativity and connection while improving collaboration and adaptability. Expect laughter, participation and a shared sense of camaraderie, all within a supportive and inclusive environment.
Speaker: Julia Harden, Funding Specialist ASCL
This online session provides a clear, practical overview of today’s funding landscape and what it means for schools and Trusts seeking sustainable growth. The session also explores effective business operations, highlighting how strategic decision‑making, resource optimisation, and forward planning can support organisational goals. Designed for leaders and practitioners navigating financial pressures , this session equips attendees with the knowledge and confidence to plan effectively, make informed choices, and position their organisation for future success.
Speaker: Harry Eaves & Helen Burge
Overview: This workshop, accredited by the Institute of School Business Leaders (ISBL) will equip you with the practical tools and insights needed to take control of energy and carbon management in your school or MAT.
Our Greener Schools Index report identified a need for sustainability training and a CPD pathway. Our training has been developed to meet that need and help school leaders implement the requirements of the DfE’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy.
It offers practical course materials, tailored advice and actionable strategies to help you take control of energy and carbon reduction in your setting.
This session is limited to 30 delegates and is for school business leaders who:
Laura Williams, Founder of L J Business Consultancy Ltd.
Laura is an education leadership coach and trainer with 20 years’ experience across the sector. Having held senior roles including SBM, COO and CFO, she now supports school and trust leaders through coaching, consultancy and training. With CIPD and specialist CIPFA qualifications, Laura brings practical HR, finance and operational insight leaders can apply immediately. She hosts the MAT Chat and School Business Leadership podcasts, runs the SBL Coaching Community, and works with CST and Schools Advisory Service. Known for her straight-talking style, Laura is a trusted voice in education leadership.
Tracey Field, Founder of Tracey Field Consulting Ltd.
Tracey is an estates consultant and author of Leading & Managing an Education Estate, with a career shaped by varied roles across sectors and countries. From local government and private estates to senior estates leadership within a multi-academy trust, her experience informs her practical approach. Through Tracey Field Consulting, she supports schools and trusts with estate strategy, compliance, capital planning and operational guidance. Tracey brings a unique perspective on career development through experience, change and challenge within the education sector.
Nick Drake, Net Zero Director, Zenergi
Nick is a sustainability leader with 20+ years’ international experience across construction, retail, and government. His interest in sustainability began during a Geography degree followed by a Climate Change MSc. This background led to senior roles shaping strategy and delivery at Carillion, SGN, HS2, and Selfridges. Most recently, he was Sustainability Lead at Crown Commercial Service.
Laura Drury, Happiness Facilitator & Consultant, Laughology
As one of our lead facilitators, Laura fits into the Laughology crew perfectly with her funny, charming personality, if not a little mad at times. Passionate about people’s wellbeing she will do whatever it takes to get you to think differently, challenge unhelpful thinking and make positive choices. With eighteen years’ experience. She has worked for a wide variety of organisations both in the public and private sector, with people at all levels of seniority.
Julia Harden, Funding Specialist ASCL
Julia is ASCL Deputy Director of Policy and Funding Specialist and works with members in academies and maintained schools across mainstream and specialist provision. Julia works with members to support sustainable strategic financial planning and building financial resilience through effective resource management and embedding integrated curriculum and financial planning (ICFP). In the policy space, Julia represents ASCL in the campaign for sufficient, sustainable and equitable funding for education and belongs to a number of Department for Education (DfE) strategy groups, working alongside colleagues from DfE as well as representatives from the sector.
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