ASCL Business Leader Roadshow: England

Browne Jacobson, Birmingham

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.

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.

Speaker

Emma Harrison

Business Leadership Specialist

Julia Harnden

Deputy Director of Policy

Louise Hatswell

Conditions of Employment Specialist: Pay

Andrew Marsh

Head of Sales, Education Mutual

Shenara Pennycooke

Head of Policy for School Business Professionals and Financial Accountability, Schools Financial Support and Oversight, Regions Group, DfE

Nathan Hines

Former British and Irish Lions rugby player

Fee

ASCL member: £175 + VAT
Non-members: £199 + VAT

Programme

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 In this session Emma will share the latest policy developments business leaders need to be aware and plan for. Additionally, we will share some reflections on the NGA, ISBL and ASCL three strands of leadership report.

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 This session will give business leaders essential updates on the key developments shaping the employment landscape in schools. It will provide the latest information on the re-established Schools Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB), outlining what it means for business leaders and for the support staff in their school or trust. We will also explore current issues around pay and conditions, outline the key upcoming changes in the Employment Rights Act and the government’s white paper, translating national developments into practical actions for business leaders.

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

Suitable for

This event is designed for school and college business leaders at all stages of their career, including those working in the independent and further education sectors. If you lead on finance, operations, estates, HR, or strategic business functions in an educational setting, this event is for you.