Speakers

Chris Burland is Head of Data and Systems for Beckfoot Trust, a 10 school multi academy trust based in Bradford. Chris works in the central team supporting schools and operational teams with data analysis and management of information systems. Chris has worked for Beckfoot Trust since 2006 in a variety of teaching and operational support roles giving him a breadth of experience and a real understanding of what it takes to make a difference to young people and support our mission of creating remarkable schools where no child is left behind.

Claire is a legal director at Browne Jacobson LLP, specialising in data protection, AI, information governance, and freedom of information for education clients. Her extensive experience leading a data protection officer service as well as experience working as a school business manager and as a local academy board governor equips her with a profound understanding of school challenges. Claire received the European Picasso 'Champion' Award for her ability to support and promote a positive information governance culture within schools, and the important work done by school staff to protect children's personal data. Claire is also a co-author of the IRMS Records Management Toolkit for Schools and Academies and is known for her effective public speaking and advocacy for data protection importance in education. Additionally, Claire's expertise extends to AI governance and EdTech. This experience and knowledge makes her an invaluable resource for educational institutions.

Claire joined the National Institute of Teaching in 2023 as a Research Fellow. She has nearly 20 years of experience in the secondary education sector as head of music and performing arts. Prior to joining the National Institute of Teaching, she completed a Masters in Computer Science with Data Science at the University of Sunderland. Claire is passionate about using data to improve pupil outcomes, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

Graham has spent the past 30 years working across a number of large public sector bodies and organisations in senior management and director positions, the past 20 of these being within the childrens’ services and education sectors.

He has led large unitary authorities’ planning and implementation of 100’s of million pounds of revenue and capital budgets and programmes. As a Director in Children’s Services, he ran a £250 million Building Schools for the Future Programme, developing strategy and delivering a once in a generation programme of change. He has led large teams, having authority-wide responsibility for school reorganisations, estates, health and safety, admissions and professional and operational services to over 120 schools.

Jo Stone is the PedTech Lead at Discovery Schools Trust, where she has been a dedicated member since 2011. Throughout her career, Jo has held various roles including class teacher, KS1 and KS2 phase leader, assistant headteacher, and headteacher. A few years ago she was the lead for the DfE EdTech demonstrator programme for the trust, where Jo supported schools nationally. Her current role embraces pedagogy, EdTech, and AI, enabling her to support all the schools within the trust as well as other schools and school trusts on their PedTech journey. Jo is also a mentor, coach, digital trainer, and speaker at conferences such as BETT. She holds numerous qualifications including NPQSL, NPQH, Microsoft Certified Coach, Microsoft Certified Educator, MIEE, and is a Microsoft Showcase Fellow. Through this role, Jo aims to create limitless learning opportunities for all.

An experienced multi academy trust executive, Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Data Protection Officer (DPO) who has successfully delivered a trust-wide digital transformation in a large, complex and rapidly growing trust.

Jonny has completed an Executive MBA programme achieving Chartered Manager status via the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). His innovative applied research project explored the potential for digital transformation through business model innovation within multi academy trusts.

As an active CIO Net member, Jonny networks with ambitious digital leaders and businesses from across the globe. A recognised thought leader on digital transformation, Jonny also speaks at conferences and shares insights via roundtables and panel discussions both within and beyond the education sector. As a former teacher and head of learning, Jonny has a passion for technology enhanced learning approaches. He has contributed to a range of further and higher education digital projects including an online massive online open course (MOOC), ‘Blended Learning Essentials’, in collaboration with UCL and the University of Leeds. Other projects included contributing to programmes such as the Technology Exemplar Network (BECTA), MoleNet (LSN), Regional Sustainability Event and Resource Utilisation Network (LSIS).

Lauren is the Chief Transformation Officer at United Learning, the largest trust in England. She leads the trust’s work on digital strategy, data and insights, curriculum and assessment, as well as the programme of transformation projects across the organisation. Prior to this, Lauren was the Director of Standards & Performance and Director of Strategy at Ark Schools. Earlier in her career Lauren led a secondary free school to its first good from Ofsted as principal, has taught computer science and IT in a range of schools, and was a research director for a thinktank in Westminster. Lauren holds an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, a master’s degree in ICT in Education, she has sat on the DfE Ed Tech Advisory Board and Workload Review Panel, and is a serving Ofsted inspector. During the academic year 2024-25, Lauren is Chair of the CST Data and insights professional community.

As data professional and PhD candidate in the field of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Education, Matthew has helped education institutions leverage value from their investments in technology over many years. Through his work with Microsoft in the UK and internationally, Matthew understands that schooling systems are often data rich but information poor. Matthew has founded companies specifically addressing how technology can support more effective decision making at all levels to improve outcomes, but also importantly in today’s economic climate to be able to ‘do more, with less’.

Matthew is currently Founder and CEO of Open Education AI, a not for profit community interest company supporting all education organisations across the public and private sectors in the UK and internationally. As a Microsoft Partner he has led engagements with Education Ministries in Malta, Russia and Kazakhstan, has been a Local Leader of Governance and Chair in Surrey and has a prior background of 25 years in technology applications and consulting in Europe and the US.

Shaun joined the National Institute of Teaching in 2023 as the Director of Data. He has more than 15 years of experience in the education sector, working with primary, secondary and multi-academy trusts to improve their data quality, analysis and reporting. He has also advised and supported numerous schools and trusts on how to develop and implement effective information governance policies and practices. Shaun is passionate about using data to enhance teaching and learning outcomes, and to drive evidence based innovation and excellence in the education system.

Steve Rollett is Deputy Chief Executive of the Confederation of School Trusts (CST), the national organisation and sector body for school trusts in England. Before joining CST, he was Curriculum and Inspection Specialist for the Association of School and College Leaders. Steve has sat on a range of advisory bodies, including Ofsted’s curriculum advisory group. Most recently he has supported Oak National Academy and the Department for Education’s remote learning advisory group. Originally trained as a history teacher, Steve was a vice principal of one of England’s most improved secondary schools before moving into a career in education policy.