This session breaks down the realities schools are facing right now. Volatile markets, tight budgets, and changing policy and funding landscapes. You'll come away with a clear view of where savings can be made, what to prioritise and how to build a smarter approach that protects your budget and long-term plans. We will look at everything from smarter procurement and contract alignment to the quick-win operational efficiencies that make an immediate difference, along with the longer-term steps needed for decarbonisation planning.

The DfE’s new Education Estate Strategy signals something bigger than another policy update. In this session, Jonathan Jones cuts through the detail and focuses on what matters in practice. He will explore what the strategy, the new Manage your Education Estate portal and common data standards are likely to mean for estates professionals, and how schools and trusts can respond in a way that strengthens planning, supports investment cases and puts them in a better position for the years ahead.

In a more demanding procurement landscape, a strategic approach matters more than ever. For schools and trusts, procurement is no longer just about compliance or process. In the post-PA23 environment, leaders need to think more carefully about tendering, specification, contract set-up, supplier oversight and long-term value. This session explores what that looks like in practice, and how a broader commercial approach can help organisations strengthen contract performance, manage risk and secure better outcomes over time.

Regain control by identifying the real “time thieves” in your environment, and in your own habits, then building simple, practical techniques to respond using Edward de Bono’s tools as a simple structure for clearer, faster thinking under pressure, including his Six Thinking Hats approach and lateral thinking prompts to break stuck patterns and find better options. This supports a mindset of protecting time for high-value work, reducing rework and designing routines that stop firefighting becoming the default.

ICFP is one of the most effective tools for managing rising costs and staffing pressures. With staff making up around 80 percent of school spend, even small shifts in deployment can make a significant difference. This session shows how integrated curriculum and financial planning can improve curriculum design, strengthen staffing decisions and support long term sustainability. It focuses on practical, proactive ways to use ICFP so you can deliver value for money without compromising the offer for pupils.

Governance should drive strategy, clarity and confidence. Yet too often, meetings add workload without improving outcomes. This session offers fresh insight into how you can reset that balance. We will explore the core pillars of effective governance, how to keep conversations anchored in strategic intent rather than operational detail, and how to shape reporting that genuinely supports better decisions. You'll also look at the nuances between governing bodies and trustee boards, and how to work with volunteer members confidently and constructively

When systems do not talk to each other, tasks get duplicated and planning happens in silos, it lands on school business teams first. This 30 minute quick fix session is about practical moves you can make straight away to reduce operational drag, tighten workflows, and create space for the strategic work only you can do. We will use Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats as a simple framework to pressure-test decisions, improve delegation and make better use of the skills already in your team.

Reactive issues, statutory compliance, ageing buildings, limited capital, and a queue of “must do” jobs that never shrinks. Estates leads and operational leaders are expected to keep schools safe and open while proving every pound is well spent. In this session, Phil will give you a practical way to sort the genuine risk from the noise, build a prioritised plan you can stand behind, and get SLT, trustees and governors on the same page, even when the right answer is not the popular one.

Risk stretches far beyond safeguarding and health and safety. It includes finance, estates, compliance, data, governance and reputation, and the school business leader sits at the centre of all of it. A strong, live risk register is essential for keeping schools protected and helping SLT, governors and trustees make informed decisions. This session gives you the confidence and tools to manage risk proactively and to embed a culture where everyone understands their role.

This session lifts the lid on where hidden savings can be found and how a strategic shift in catering provision – including the role of high-quality prepared solutions – can reduce waste, ease staffing demands and still meet nutritional standards. Using real examples from schools and trusts, we explore how the right catering model can enhance financial resilience, support inclusion, and improve the overall dining experience for pupils.

With the national threat level still rated substantial and school incidents back in the headlines, lockdown planning has shifted from 'sensible practice' to 'must have'. Led by security specialist Shane, this session cuts through the noise and shows you what proportionate, modern lockdown planning looks like in 2026. We cover the practical steps that help you stay compliant, calm and ready, whether you're the person writing the plan or the senior leader responsible for making sure it happens across multiple sites.

Subject access requests (SARs) can be time-consuming and complex to manage, especially alongside the many other priorities school business professionals juggle. In this session, Shane draws on extensive experience supporting hundreds of schools with SARs and data protection processes. He'll share insights into what's working on the ground, what's changed in recent legislation (including new ICO guidance and cooling-off periods), and how you can develop school-friendly procedures that protect your team, your pupils and your time.