Chris Thackray
Digital Strategy Lead, Ark
Chris is the Digital Strategy Lead for Ark and leads on the effective use of digital technology for teaching and learning with the schools in the Ark network. He has 20 years experience of working in education in a variety of roles including a senior leader, teacher, director of IT, strategy consultant and advisor. He is focused on enhancing education by using technology to support student outcomes.
Being curious but cautious (AI and new technologies)
1 Workshop series one
How leaders are approaching trust-wide piloting and implementation of AI tools
As trusts move from isolated experimentation towards more structured AI adoption, leaders face growing questions around governance, evaluation and scaling. Guided by the principle of being “curious but cautious”, this session explores how two trusts are approaching AI pilots in practice - from choosing use cases and challenging vendor claims, to building evidence, maintaining accountability and deciding what deserves wider adoption. Through honest reflections on what has worked, what has disappointed, and what they would do differently, delegates will gain practical insight into leading AI implementation responsibly at trust scale.