ASCL Business Leaders Roadshow

Wellbeing, resilience and what business leaders need to know. 

"This was easily the most positive, relevant and informative SBL event I have attended in my 18-year career - I came away feeling inspired and motivated." Past delegate, 2025

Designed for you and your role
Education is changing fast and business leaders are at the heart of making change work. This full-day event brings together the policy insights, practical strategies, and personal resilience tools you need to lead confidently in 2026 and beyond.

Please note: the event in Cardiff on 1 July is tailored to the distinct policy landscape in Wales, with dedicated time on the Welsh Government's pilot with ISBL for 2025-26, and a full update on the implications of the May Senedd elections.

Whether you're navigating funding pressures, grappling with new employment legislation, or wondering how AI will reshape your workload, this roadshow is built around what matters most to you.

Strategies and tools for immediate impact 
  • A clear, up-to-date briefing on the policy changes shaping business leadership in England.
  • Expert guidance on the Schools Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB), pay, and the Employment Rights Bill.
  • Practical strategies for strategic financial planning and funding resilience.
  • Insights from Education Mutual's Business Leader Wellbeing Index and tools to strengthen your own wellbeing and grit.
  • Dedicated reflection time for your personal growth and resilience.
  • In conversation with Nathan Hines, former British and Irish Lions rugby player on leadership, performance mindset, and resilience under pressure.
  • Networking and discussion time with fellow business leaders and policy specialists.
24 June, England | Birmingham 
1 July, Wales | Cardiff

Within all sessions, there will be table time for discussion and peer learning. 
 

8.45am     Registration
       
9.00am     Welcome and introductions
       
9.10am     Business leadership policy update
Emma Harrison, ASCL business Leadership Specialist
       
9.30am     Business Leader Wellbeing Index and personal wellbeing
Andrew Marsh, Head of Sales, Education Mutual
       
10.15am     Refreshment break
       
10.30am     SSSNB, pay and the Employment Rights Bill
Louise Hatswell, ASCL Conditions of Employment Specialist: Pay
       
11.15am     School business professional visioning, strategy and MVP
Shenara Pennycooke, Head of School Business Capability, DfE 
       
12.00pm     Lunch and networking
       
12.45pm     Strategic financial planning
Julia Harnden, ASCL Deputy Director of Policy

This strategic finance session equips school business leaders with practical tools to strengthen financial resilience and maximise resources. Participants will explore smart budget hacks, gain confidence in applying integrated curriculum and financial planning (ICFP) to drive sustainable staffing and curriculum models, and sharpen their approach to effective budget scrutiny. The session will help leaders improve decision making, align spending with strategic priorities, and navigate financial pressures with greater clarity. Attendees will leave with insights and strategies they can apply immediately to support robust, future-focused school financial management.
       
1.30pm     Legal Update
Browne Jacobson (speaker tbc)
       
2.00pm     Leadership, resilience, and performance mindset
Nathan Hines, former British and Irish Lions rugby player
       
3.00pm     Close