Dale Fahey, Head of Partnerships, MyNewTerm
As education leaders, we are constantly navigating the complex landscape of values, purpose, and public trust. The theme for this year’s CST CEO Leadership Summit, Values in action: Purpose, public value, and public narrative, couldn’t be more timely or relevant. At the heart of these conversations is a vital yet often overlooked process: recruitment.
Recruitment is far more than just filling vacancies. It’s a strategic enabler that shapes the culture, safety, and future of every school and trust. When done thoughtfully, recruitment reflects and reinforces an organisation’s deepest values and commitments.
Purpose: more than just hiring
Efficient and safe recruitment processes are fundamental to freeing up school leaders to focus on what matters most - delivering outstanding education. Aligning recruitment with a school trusts core purpose ensures that every appointment is a step towards fulfilling its mission. It’s about more than ticking boxes; it’s about finding the right people who embody the values and aspirations of the community they serve.
Public value: safeguarding and stewardship
At the heart of public trust in education is safeguarding. Recruitment is a frontline defence in ensuring that schools protect the most cherished thing: their children. It’s also about stewardship - making sure that public resources are used wisely and transparently. By embedding robust safeguarding practices within recruitment, school trusts uphold their duty to protect children while demonstrating accountability to the wider community.
Public narrative: building trust through transparency and equity
Every recruitment decision sends a message. It tells a story about what school trusts value and how they respect fairness and equity. Transparent, equitable hiring practices build trust with parents, staff, and the wider public. They reinforce a school trusts narrative as a place where integrity and accountability are lived every day.
Leadership for good: CEOs as champions of values
For CEOs and trust leaders, recruitment is an opportunity to lead with purpose and conviction. It’s a chance to put values into action and show, not just tell, how deeply those values are embedded in every aspect of their organisation. Recruitment isn’t simply a process - it’s part of the broader story that education leaders tell about who they are and what they stand for.
As we look forward to the summit this July, I’m excited to connect with fellow leaders who share these commitments. Together, we can explore how values in action aren’t just ideals - they are practical, everyday choices that shape the future of education.
Join us for CST's CEO Leadership Summit on 7 and 8 July in Birmingham to explore our theme, Values in action: Purpose, public value, and public narrative. Find out more and book now.
The CST Blog welcomes perspectives from a diverse range of guest contributors. The opinions expressed in blogs are the views of the author(s), and should not be read as CST guidance or CST’s position.
