What kind of life can I expect if I come to work for you?
On one of the hottest days of the year, education leaders from across the country gathered at Mary Ward House in London for the fourth and final Flourishing Trusts Network (FTN) in-person event of the year. Despite the soaring temperatures, there was a strong sense of energy, curiosity and shared purpose as delegates came together to explore a question that sits at the heart of recruitment, retention and flourishing:
What kind of life can I expect if I come to work for you?
A good school is a: “Sign of abundant life for everyone.”
The day began with a reflection from Andy Wolfe, Interim Chief Executive & Chief Education Officer for the National Society for Education, who invited delegates to consider how schools and trusts can always be places where both pupils and staff flourish.
Andy explored four leadership insights from Jesus' example in John's Gospel: cultivating trust before authority, embracing patient growth, building communities rather than simply managing individuals, and practising servant leadership through tangible actions. These themes provided a powerful foundation for a day focused on creating workplaces where people feel valued, connected and able to flourish
Why Wellbeing Is Your Biggest Recruitment Strategy
The keynote from Sinéad McBrearty, CEO of Education Support, challenged leaders to place wellbeing at the centre of their people strategy. Drawing on research and evidence from across the sector, she demonstrated the connection between wellbeing, retention and organisational performance, reminding delegates that while some challenges take time to solve, there is much school leaders can improve right now.
The morning continued with a practical spotlight from Ady Tomsa of Futura Learning Partnership, who shared how strategic use of Growth and Skills Levy funding for Apprenticeships has strengthened leadership development, workforce capability and professional growth across the trust.
"There are plenty of things we can't fix overnight; but there are just as many that we can improve right now. Together."
Key takeaways from one of our network members:
Culture Eats Contracts: Building a Workplace People Choose, Not Endure
After a networking break, Jackie Grubb, CEO at City of Plymouth College, delivered a memorable session entitled ‘Culture Eats Contracts’. Jackie encouraged leaders to look beyond policies and values statements and instead focus on the lived experience of staff. Her message was simple: culture is defined by how people feel when they come to work.
"Culture is not what we say. It's what people feel."
The Talent Magnet: Why Your Brand Matters More Than Your Budget
In the afternoon, Phil Watt, Director at Propelo, explored why organisational brand matters more than budget when attracting and retaining talented people. Drawing on years of recruitment experience, he argued that purpose, belonging, growth and values alignment are often more important than salary in helping people choose where they work.
Promises vs. Reality: What Are You Really Offering Your People
The final provocation came from Sam Gibbs, Director of Professional Learning at Greater Manchester Education Trust. It sparked discussion amongst the delegates calling them to focus on the everyday experience of staff. She argued that retention is often an experience issue before it becomes a recruitment issue, encouraging leaders to ensure that promises around wellbeing, trust and professional growth are reflected in reality.
"If you treat people as professionals, they respond as professionals."
Building a Workforce People Join, Flourish In and Stay For
To leave delegates with some practical insights, we were blessed to hear again from Ady Tomsa at Futura Learning Partnership, alongside Michael Cowland, CEO at the Diocese of Coventry MAT, and Barrington Oliver-Mighten, CEO at Orange Moon Training. They shared how they are leveraging the Growth and Skills Levy to ensure professional development opportunities are maximised for all staff. Practical, honest, challenging and encouraging!
As the day closed, delegates reflected on the common themes woven through every session: trust, belonging, wellbeing, community, growth, and purpose. The event left leaders with a powerful challenge – to create organisations where people do not simply stay, but flourish.
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