Learn more about our speakers below. Our speakers include leading practitioners in education, expert policy thinkers, and inspirational voices from across the sector. We will be adding more speakers as we approach the event, so keep checking back for more details.
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.
Legal Director, Browne Jacobson
Legal Director, Browne Jacobson
Claire specialises in data protection, AI, information governance, and freedom of information for education clients at Browne Jacobson LLP. 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.
Director of Policy and Programmes, Trust Governance Professionals
Director of Policy and Programmes, Trust Governance Professionals
Consultant and governance expert
Consultant and governance expert
Jackie has worked as a governance consultant since 2012 and was appointed as a National Leader of Governance. She is based in the South West and has worked with school trusts across the country. She has a professional background in quality assurance, mentoring, training course design and delivering engaging, inspiring training. Jackie has delivered ERGs for trusts of all phases and sizes, including special schools and foundation trusts and she has supported trusts through growth and merger and provides mentoring support to trust boards and chairs.
Jackie is the programme director for the CST Chairs Development and Governing a School Trust Programmes; she particularly enjoys working with groups of chairs to support them in what can be an isolated and challenging role.
Jackie is currently the trust board chair for the Leading Edge Academies Partnership and is a member for the Academies for Character and Excellence. In her leisure time she enjoys time with her grandchildren and walking her dogs on the beautiful beaches of Cornwall.
Jackie was awarded an MBE in the New Years Honours list of 2022 for her services to education.
Partner, Stone King LLP
Partner, Stone King LLP
Richard has over 23 years’ experience in advising schools and local authorities on a wide range of education issues including admissions, exclusions, SEN, disability discrimination and other Equality Act issues. His advice has covered both state funded and independent schools. Richard also has significant experience in SEND law and other local authority education issues such as transport, school re-organisation, legal challenges and complaints.
Director of Trust Governance, CST
Director of Trust Governance, CST
Samira Sadeghi is Director of Trust Governance for CST. Prior to that, she was Head of Governance and Company Secretary at Academies Enterprise Trust, a multi-academy trust with 57 schools, and served as Regional Governance Officer at Ark Schools for four years. Before moving to the UK with her family in 2010, she was a criminal defence attorney and spent 12 years representing clients on California's death row in their post-conviction proceedings.
Head of Governance & Company Secretary, The Co-operative Academies Trust
Head of Governance & Company Secretary, The Co-operative Academies Trust
Sarah Lay has worked in governance roles for more than 15 years, holding professional positions in educational institutions and independent professional bodies. She is the Head of Governance and Company Secretary at the Co-op Academies Trust, a large multi academy trust in the North of England, where she leads a team of governance professionals facilitating effective decision making and stakeholder engagement across 38 diverse communities.
Sarah is passionate about promoting the profile of academy governance professionals across the wider sector, and in identifying opportunities for cross-sector learning, development and collaboration. She is a trustee of a charity in central Manchester, and the winner of the National Governance Association's Outstanding Lead Governance Professional Award 2025.
