Louise Staunton

Chief Finance and Operations Officer, Greater Manchester Education Trust

Louise Staunton is Chief Financial Officer at Greater Manchester Education Trust (GMET), where she provides strategic leadership across finance, operations, governance, risk, audit, compliance, and business services. Based in Manchester, she works with trustees, school leaders, and central teams to support strong financial stewardship, effective resource management, and high-quality operational delivery. A qualified ACCA accountant, Louise has more than 25 years’ experience in education finance, with particular expertise in the trust sector. She currently works within a trust of four large secondary schools that is expanding into the primary sector through the addition of three primary schools. Her experience includes senior finance and operational leadership roles, with expertise in financial planning, governance, risk management, compliance, organisational development, and educational business leadership.

Hall 10a

1 Breakout sessions: Series one

Leading in an age of uncertainty: Planning for emerging risks

We live in a highly interconnected age, when global conflicts can directly impact school budgets and cyber threats and AI can change how we work daily. This session explores how trust leaders and their boards can identify, assess, and respond to emerging risks in an increasingly complex environment. You will consider trade-offs, risk appetite and audit implications, while engaging with practical tools to support horizon scanning and informed decision-making. Designed as a fast-paced, discussion-led session, it will equip trustees and executive leaders with actionable insights to strengthen oversight and resilience. Ideal for trust leaders interested in governance and risk management, including executive leaders, governance professionals, and trustees.