6 March 2025 at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre
Schools historically have focused on tactical communications – day to day messaging that deals with daily lives of pupils and teachers.
But school trusts offer the opportunity to move to a more effective model of strategic communications, rooted in a strong expression of organisational values and vision.
By better expressing our collective mission we can develop genuine two-way dialogue with our communities, that increases the power of our everyday communications, and fosters deeper support for trusts’ work supporting pupils.
Full details of the programme and speakers will be released nearer the date but you can secure your place now.
Hear from some of today's leading educational thinkers
Give you and your leadership team time to re-think how your trust works
Connect with colleagues from school trusts across the country
Engage with innovative providers to the school trust sector
This conference is an extension of the CST Communications professional community - a unique space for school trust staff to network, share, and learn, all year round. Community membership is an integral part of CST membership.
Head of Internal Communications, Lift Schools
Sam is the founding Head of Internal Communications at Lift Schools (formerly AET), leading the internal communications and events strategy across Lift's 57 schools and 4500 staff. She played a key role in shaping and delivering internal and external communications during AET's rebrand to Lift Schools. Prior to her role at Lift Schools, Sam worked in charity and university communications. She originally qualified as a speech and language therapist, supporting students in schools throughout London and the US.
Digital Marketing Manager, REAch2 Academy Trust
Nico is responsible for REAch2's digital presence, including its website and SharePoint based intranet. He originally joined the trust as an application support engineer before being seconded to REAch2's marketing team to build and develop the trust and school websites, providing support and training to schools, and using data intelligence to develop a better experience for stakeholders.
Head of Brand Strategy and Partnerships, Thinking Schools Academy Trust
Lauren Wilson is the Head of Brand Strategy and Partnerships at Thinking Schools Academy Trust, playing a strategic role in shaping and delivering the trust's marketing and communications. With a focus on internal communications and engagement as well as external collaborations, Lauren works with a diverse range of clients to deliver projects that align with the trust's mission and values. Throughout her career, Lauren has led high-profile initiatives, including comprehensive rebranding campaigns, large-scale event management and developing a high performing team to achieve positive results. Lauren has also been instrumental in the delivery of crisis communications priorities, helping guide the trust and its academies through challenging situations with clear and impactful messaging. Lauren's expertise in strategic communications, quick adaptability, and results-driven marketing has earned her a strong reputation as she continues to work alongside other marketing leaders to share best practice, improve processes, and grow effective teams centred on doing the right thing for our academies and trusts.
Group Manager, Public Affairs Sectors, Information Commissioner's Office
Jenny leads the ICO’s engagement with the education sector. As the UK’s independent regulator of data protection and freedom of information law, the ICO safeguards and empowers people by upholding information rights and providing regulatory certainty to organisations. With over 15 years’ experience in ICO policy development and engagement, Jenny has led on many important areas of work including regulation of the press, criminal records and political campaigning. She now leads a specialist policy and engagement team responsible for education, health, and local government.
Head of Marketing, Lift Schools
Joe Nicell is the Head of Marketing at Lift Schools (formerly AET) overseeing a diverse range of marketing initiatives, including brand development, digital communication, and design for the network and its schools. In five years at Lift Schools, Joe has been developing and implementing marketing strategies that have helped to raise the profile of the organisation and attract new students. He has also been responsible for launching a number of successful marketing campaigns, including social media campaigns, recruitment marketing, and content marketing initiatives. Prior to joining Lift Schools, Joe held marketing roles in charities, healthcare and higher education.
CST members only: Full conference access including keynotes, workshops, lunch, and resources
Book your place£330 inc VAT at 20%
Non-CST member place for conference including keynotes, workshops, and lunch
Available soon£408 inc VAT at 20%
Our conference takes place at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre, a short walk from Birmingham New Street train station.
We recommend using public transport wherever possible to attend. The venue is within Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone and there may be additional fees for driving to the venue.
Birmingham Conference and Events Centre
Hill Street
Birmingham
B5 4EW
The CST Communications Summit takes place on 6 March 2025.
The full programme will published nearer to the event date, but delegate registration is expected to begin at around 08:30 with main programme running approximately 09:30 to 16:00.
Delegate places include full access to conference main sessions, workshops, and exhibition, plus refreshments, and lunch during the day.
Overnight accommodation is not included and delegates are responsible for their own travel arrangements.
The event programme is provisional and subject to change. Booking terms and conditions apply.
Imagery is from past events and may not reflect the 2025 programme.
Confederation of School Trusts · Registered in England & Wales, company no: 05303883 · Charity no: 1107640.
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Registered offices both at Suite 1, Whiteley Mill, 39 Nottingham Road, Stapleford, Nottingham, NG9 8AD.