Chairing a School Trust Board Programme

Leading next-generation governance

CST’s Chairing a School Trust Board Programme provides expert guidance and support for chairs who are looking to develop the unique skills and knowledge required to fulfil their leadership role. 

Overview

Trust board chairs play a critical role in the development of a strong school trust and thriving trust system. Chairing a school trust board is a great privilege and can be incredibly rewarding however there can also be times when the role is challenging and daunting. 

CST’s development programme is designed to equip chairs with the skills and understanding to meet the challenges of the role. It is delivered through a series of six 90-minute online seminars, with an additional opportunity to benefit from one-to-one mentoring with an experienced governance consultant to embed your learning and discuss how to navigate your unique leadership context.

Each seminar explores a different aspect of the chair’s role in leading, developing and empowering their trust board. Seminar leader, Jackie Eason MBE, provides practical advice on how to navigate the challenges of chairing, guest speakers share their professional expertise, and there is plenty of opportunity for discussion and networking with other chairs. Enhancing this experience with mentoring across four 45-minute meetings will additionally give you personalised strategic support to take your board forward. 

Who is it for?

The programme is practical and inspiring for chairs of trusts of all sizes. It is appropriate for:

• Newly appointed chairs
• Aspirant chairs and vice chairs
• Experienced chairs who wish to explore their role and evolve their trust governance towards a next-generation approach

• Jackie Eason MBE, Governance Consultant

• Rama Venchard MBE, Chair, London South East Academies Trust
• Mel Greener, Independent Governance Consultant
• Emma Hughes, Head of HR, Browne Jacobson and trustee
• Matthew Humphrey, Partner, RSM
• Dr Lizzie Oliver, Director of Policy and Programmes, Trust Governance Professionals

This programme provides the opportunity to hear from experts, learn from other chairs and reflect on your own chairing style, by exploring:

• Team building, skills development and effective delegation that will make your role achievable and enjoyable  
• How to lead your trust through times of challenge and change with a shared purpose and clear strategy
• The development of a stewardship culture where trustees make well-informed decisions for long-term sustainability
• How to deliver robust accountability, through open communication with stakeholders and positive relationships with executive leaders

Through mentoring we work with you to develop your personal and professional leadership skills and ability to deliver your trust vision and strategy. Mentoring conversations will be goal-oriented and led by you to address your specific aims and challenges. We believe that the combination of programme and mentoring support can be transformational in developing your approach and impact as a board leader. 

If you have any questions or would like to discuss how mentoring might work for you, we’d be happy to arrange a call - email governance@cstuk.org.uk for more information. Mentoring for chairs can also be accessed as a standalone service. Discover more.

What previous participants have said

"Thank you for one of the most informative and immediately useful courses I’ve been on in a long time. It was excellent to have the opportunities to speak to others on the course and share experiences and good practice. The guest speakers were all great.”  Sue Fairhurst - Enable Trust

"Just wanted to say thanks for a very interesting and well-run course. Each seminar was relevant to the role and the way you presented the topics also made it enjoyable. Thanks also to those I spoke with in the break outs - it was always enlightening.”  Peter Brooks - Everychild Partnership Trust

"Extremely informative, well run and great speakers. Has proved immediately helpful.” Sian Barton - Alumnis Trust

"It was both informative and enjoyable and held together brilliantly! Great to meet colleagues and share ideas [and fears!] It has left me keen to attend future events.” Angie Holden - All Saints Trust

"Sharp, thought-provoking training delivered by a highly skilled and experienced team."

Dates, fees and booking

• Seminar one – Tuesday 4 November, 15:30-17:00
• Seminar two – Tuesday 11 November, 15:30-17:00
• Seminar three – Tuesday 18 November, 15:30-17:00
• Seminar four – Tuesday 25 November, 15:30-17:00
• Seminar five – Tuesday 2 December, 15:30-17:00
• Seminar six – Tuesday 9 December, 15:30-17:00

Summer 2026 - online

• Seminar one – Tuesday 2 June, 15:30-17:00
• Seminar two – Tuesday 9 June, 15:30-17:00
• Seminar three – Tuesday 16 June, 15:30-17:00
• Seminar four – Tuesday 23 June, 15:30-17:00
• Seminar five – Tuesday 30 June, 15:30-17:00
• Seminar six – Tuesday 7 July, 15:30-17:00

Book now - autumn 2025

Book now - summer 2026 

Fees 

Full programme (seminars and mentoring)

Individual: CST members £675+VAT / Non-members £825+VAT

Second delegate place for a co-chair or vice chair: CST members £450+VAT / Non-members £625+VAT.

Seminar programme only

CST members £445+VAT / Non-members £545+VAT

Second delegate place for a co-chair or vice chair: CST members £210+VAT / Non-members £295+VAT

View our Terms and Conditions.

• One-to-one mentoring

• One to one mentoring to support a chair through a particular issue