Regional Schools Commissioner Attending Inaugural Vertas and Schools’ Choice Conference

Vertas Group Limited, and its specialist education support company Schools’ Choice, will jointly host its first education conference aimed at trustees and board members of multi-academy trusts. Education leaders from across the region are keenly awaiting a keynote speech from Regional Schools Commissioner Sue Baldwin, where she will share her view on the strategic role of trustees.

The event, which takes place at Wherstead Park in Ipswich on 15th October, also sees the launch of a network for trustees, aimed at supporting strong governance, sharing best practice and assisting those new in post.

It is recognised that the role of trustees carries more responsibility than that of a governor; this conference aims to provide expert opinion to support trustees with these additional accountabilities. Delegates will hear about ethical leadership from Leora Cruddas, CEO of Freedom and Autonomy of Schools National Association, and legal responsibilities of board members, from Roger Inman, Stone King LLP.

In addition, there will be a question and answer session with a panel of experts and opportunities to attend these workshops:

• Understanding your Financial Responsibilities within a MAT
• Ensuring Educational and Commercial Performance
• Accountability and the Scheme of Delegation
• Recruiting and supporting the CEO
• Setting a communications strategy
• Intentional Culture Design.

The event will also showcase the total facilities management offer from Vertas, from innovative recycling and waste management to grounds design and maintenance, and allow guests to sample their catering offer with creative hospitality.

Places at the conference are limited; interested multi-academy trust board members and trustees can email  for more information.

Julia Dolan, Head of Schools’ Choice said:

“We are delighted to be part of the conference – the first event of its kind in the eastern region. We recognise the importance of trustees and the positive impact they can have on the children and young people within their trusts. The conference will support their development.”

Ian Surtees, Chief Executive Officer at Vertas Group Limited, said:

“This is a first for the Vertas group and we are very much looking forward to hosting senior leaders within the education sector and hearing from Regional Schools Commissioner Sue Baldwin. We are already a significant provider of education services across the region, working with approximately 400 schools and colleges. Since Schools’ Choice joined the Vertas group we have strengthened the relationship we have with multi-academy trusts and been able to offer them complementary services.”

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