David Shields

CEO, Value Match

David created Value Match over 10 years ago as a specialist procurement services and consultancy company. Previously, David has held senior positions in the cabinet office, HM treasury and recently as director of procurement, sustainability and social impact at NHS SBS. Through extensive experience in ensuring procurement aligns to an organisations strategy and purpose, David believes that procurement can play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change while delivery positive social vale impact and improving broader organisational outcomes.

1 Series three

Boardroom excellence in procurement: Ethics, strategy, and oversight

This workshop, designed for both trustees and senior leaders, will strengthen your oversight of procurement in line with DfE guidance. We'll explore the board’s critical role in making sure procurement decisions are transparent, fair, and aligned with the trust’s educational mission and public accountability. Join the panel in an exploration of ethical sourcing, supplier due diligence, risk management, and value for money. By the end of the session, you will be better equipped to ask the right questions, interpret procurement reports, and provide confident, ethical leadership in this vital area of school trust operations.

1 Workshop series two

What does developing new nursery provision mean for the finance and operations teams?

Opening new nurseries or extending existing provision to younger children are exciting developments that can bring huge benefits to the trust and its families. It can also present significant financial and operational complexity for the central team. This session explores the experience of the Lion Academy Trust, an 11-school primary trust that has extended nursery provision, taken it in house from private providers, and, most recently, set up a new nursery from scratch. Join David and Kelly to hear about the issues overcome by the Lion team, the opportunities created in their trust and wider community, and the insights gained along the way.

1 Workshop series one

Procurement with purpose

Procurement with purpose for school trusts focuses on achieving value for money through sustainable, ethical, and responsible procurement practices. It emphasises the importance of green procurement, fair labour practices, and delivering social value within schools. This session will explore key procurement strategies include competitive tendering, contract lifecycle assessment, and schools and community engagement to ensure medium-term benefits and positive social impact.