Tuesday 10 November 2026 at Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre, Birmingham
The future of education is built on connection: between colleagues, schools, trusts, boards, unions and the communities we serve. Strong cultures emerge when people feel connected to a shared purpose, to one another and to opportunities for growth. As our system continues to evolve, the challenge is not simply to respond to change, but to shape it together.
By strengthening the connections between people, roles and organisations, we can create cultures that inspire new thinking, encourage collaboration and support innovation across our schools and trusts.
At this year’s conference, we will explore how we create inclusive workplaces, strengthen engagement and trust and prepare our organisations for the future. Through inspiring speakers, practical examples and collaborative discussion, we will examine how connected cultures can improve recruitment, retention, wellbeing and professional growth. Join us as we explore how stronger connections create stronger cultures, enabling adults to thrive for the benefit of the children and communities we serve.
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 People and culture 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.
Chief Leadership Psychologist, and Founder of the Centre for Leadership Psychology
Chief Leadership Psychologist, and Founder of the Centre for Leadership Psychology
Edel Holliday-Quinn is an HCPC Registered Occupational Psychologist and founder of the Centre for Leadership Psychology. She specialises in leadership, organisational effectiveness and culture change, helping organisations create the conditions where people, teams and organisations can thrive by translating occupational psychology into practical, evidence-based solutions.
Over the past decade, Edel has worked with senior leaders across global organisations, designing leadership strategies, developing capability and leading large-scale organisational culture change. Formerly SVP, Global Head of Leadership and Culture at Citi Bank and Global Strategy & Leadership Manager at PwC, she combines deep commercial experience with academic rigour to bridge the gap between psychological science and organisational practice.
Edel holds dual Master's degrees in Occupational Psychology and a Bachelor's degree in Business. She is completing her Professional Doctorate at Birkbeck, University of London, where her research explores transformational leadership and organisational resilience during times of crisis. She is an Associate Lecturer at the University of Coventry and also a regular contributor to publications including Forbes, where she writes about leadership, organisational psychology and the future of work.
Lead Economist, National Foundation for Educational Research
Lead Economist, National Foundation for Educational Research
An expert researcher and commentator on the school workforce, Jack’s research aims to understand changes in the recruitment, retention, development and diversity of teachers in the UK. A specialist with analysing large datasets including the School Workforce Census and Labour Force Survey, Jack uses statistical analysis to gain insights for policy and practice. Jack’s research is regularly cited in parliament and by media outlets.
Co-Lead, The Relationships Project
Co-Lead, The Relationships Project
Neil Denton serves as a co-lead of the Relationships Project, bringing expertise as a community mediator and academic. Co-author of the Bridge-builders Handbook and The Sense of Connection, Neil believes there is an energy within disagreement and conflict that can be a powerful force for positive change. He helps communities in conflict to find ways to solve real life problems and strengthen human relationships. Along with his work on relationships, he is a leader in community mediation and conflict transformation, an Independent Community Mediator, and a Professor in Practice with the After Disasters Network at Durham University.
For details about commercial tickets, please contact partnerships@cstuk.org.uk.
CST members only: Full conference access including keynotes, workshops, lunch, and resources
Book now£414 inc VAT at 20%
Non-CST member place for conference including keynotes, workshops, and lunch
Coming soon£486 inc VAT at 20%
Our conference takes place at the Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre, Birmingham.
We recommend using public transport wherever possible to attend.
Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre
53 Edgbaston Park Road
Birmingham
B15 2RS
The CST People and Culture Conference takes place on 10 November 2026.
Delegate registration will begin at 08:00 with main programme running from 09:20 to 15:50.
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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