Huge Trust conference represents investment in people and 'Achievement For All'
Impressive surroundings and inspiring speakers welcomed 1,700 staff from Redhill Academy Trust for a revamped Trust Conference.
The Trust's whole staff body - spanning 16 schools and associated support teams - gathered across two sites, Trent Conference Centre in Nottingham and Holiday Inn M1 J28 in South Normanton.
Colleagues in both teaching and operational roles came together for the conference, themed around 'Achievement For All' and encompassing more than 25 separate CPD workshops led by experts in their fields.
Workshops included:
- Supporting autistic and neurodiverse students
- How to create a positive co-curricular experience for ALL
- The importance of high-quality careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) and raising aspirations
- How Microsoft Copilot can improve efficiencies within teaching and operational functions
- Navigating staff recruitment challenges in UK schools: leveraging social media
The conference schedule was opened and closed by keynote speakers; Andrew Burns (Redhill Trust Chief Executive) and special guest Claire Lomas MBE.
Claire moved audiences at each venue with her personal story of hope and resilience, having overcome devastating challenges in her life. A freak accident in 2007 left her paralysed from the chest down. She went from living as an active athlete whose dreams were coming true, to a life that seemed impossible to ever be happy. Claire spoke candidly about the split second that changed her life and her darkest times. But, with great humour, she revealed how her disability has not defined - but redefined her - and led to some unimaginable goa
ls being achieved.
Claire's inspiring speech gave Redhill Trust colleagues so much to contemplate; on resilience, determination, positivity and personal growth. It also gave food for thought around how everyone can help instil these values in the young people whose life chances we aim to improve through our collective Trust mission.
Many thanks to everyone who supported this ambitious event, including external partners Link 3 Recruitment, Stone King LLP, MIES facilities management, Nottinghamshire Educational Psychology Service.
