4 June 2026 at The Birmingham Conference and Events Centre
Our trust governance story comes in three chapters that mirror Sinek’s Golden Circle: why, how, and what. In 2023, we invited trusts to reimagine trust governance, asking why change was needed, surfacing complexity and challenging assumptions. Last year, we set out our evidence-led theory of change in Next-gen governance, articulating how we needed to change to move beyond compliance and build longer-term sustainability in our sector. This year, we turn to what we do to get there, a theory of action focused on evolving two domains of trust governance: board leadership and structures. We will explore:
This is about creating the conditions for high-quality decision making and shifting from static compliance to dynamic stewardship of our trusts.
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 Governance and trustees 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.
Policy Advisor, Chartered Governance Institute
Policy Advisor, Chartered Governance Institute
Dr Valentina Dotto is a Policy Adviser at the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland, working on corporate and charity governance with a focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and AI, supporting transparent, accountable and future ready governance practices. She received the DIACC Heavy Lifter Award for Digital Governance and brings an interdisciplinary background across law and policy. Valentina is an Ordinary Member of the WCEL and a member of the GNHE.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the Università degli Studi di Torino, completed alongside placements at the ILO–UN System Staff College, where she also earned a diploma in International Contracts and Agreements. Valentina completed an MSc in Asian Studies at Lund University, including research placements at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and in Malaysia, before earning a PhD in Law at Birmingham City University’s Centre for Excellence in American Legal Studies.
Director of Inclusion, River Learning Trust
Director of Inclusion, River Learning Trust
Katherine Walsh is the Director of Inclusion for River Learning Trust. She is an experienced teacher and school leader and has led SEND provision in primary and secondary schools in England and America. Over the past ten years, Katherine has developed particular expertise in working with leadership teams to develop school-wide systems, establishing shared and inclusive visions for the education of children and young people with SEND. Katherine was a lead author on the Department for Education commissioned Whole School SEND Teacher Handbook: SEND.
Researcher, Trustee, and co-author of Inside the Mind of a 16-year old
Researcher, Trustee, and co-author of Inside the Mind of a 16-year old
Shuab is a writer and researcher focused on young people, populism, and democracy. His work has influenced national debates on engaging the next generation, and he is passionate about expanding opportunities and helping young people overcome barriers to realise their potential. He is a passionate advocate for educational equality and the power of policy to shape a nation's future. With a focus on addressing educational disparities in the north of England, Shuab believes in using his voice and leadership skills to create lasting change, enabling young people to dream big and achieve bigger.
Shuab has dedicated the past five years to promoting mentoring on both the local and national stage. His commitment to practical change is evident in his award-winning work addressing awarding gaps and fostering inclusivity in higher education. As a Trustee and Consultant at several organisations, he makes impactful decisions to reduce unemployment through education and training for hard-to-reach individuals.
Shuab aspires to serve in local government and contribute to a better led society, where every child has access to a quality education. Shuab's unwavering belief in better governance and equal opportunities drives his mission to make a lasting impact.
For details about commercial tickets, please contact conference@cstuk.org.uk
CST members only: Full conference access including keynotes, workshops, lunch, and resources
Book your place£402 inc VAT at 20%
Non-CST member place for conference including keynotes, workshops, and lunch
Coming soon£474 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 conference takes place on 4 June 2026.
Delegate registration will begin at 08:00 with main programme running from 09:15 to 15:30.
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 future programmes.
Confederation of School Trusts · Registered in England & Wales, company no: 05303883 · Charity no: 1107640.
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Registered offices both at 167-169 Great Portland Street, 5th Floor, London, England, W1W 5PF