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

Meet your seminar leader

Jackie Eason MBE, Governance Consultant

Guest speakers

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

How you will benefit from the seminars

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

How you will benefit from mentoring

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."

"A well thought out programme with excellent speakers, facilitators and group leaders. As a Chair sharing the things that keep me awake at night with other like-minded people has been invaluable. We have had many a great discussion - thank you.”

Dates, fees and booking

Autumn 2025 - online