Faizal Musa

School and College Trust Leader, Dixons Academies Trust

Faizal has over 20 years’ experience in HR, change, and organisational development, previously working at ALDI, the Co-op and the NHS. He brings a deep understanding of what it takes to build cultures where people feel valued, included and empowered. He is a Chartered member of the CIPD with an MA in Human Resource Management. Since joining the education sector in 2016 with Star Academies, and moving to Dixons in 2022, Faizal has run a wide range of sector-leading initiatives including equality, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I), professional growth coaching, flexible working (nine day fortnights) and business services transformations.

11:35

1 Main programme

What happens when we change the rules? Reflections on the nine-day fortnight

This month early findings from the evaluation of a nine-day working fortnight on teacher retention at Dixons Academies Trust have been published, providing qualitative evidence on its impact on leaders and teachers. Faizal and Rebecca will reflect on the policy’s positive impact on staff morale, flexibility, and work-life balance, as well as the practical challenges of condensed hours and strategic planning. Delegates will hear about the lessons learned, unexpected outcomes, and the implications for trust leaders considering flexible working models.

12:00

1 Main programme

Keynote panel: How do we make education the sector of choice?

The panel will discuss strategies for attracting the next generation of educators. How can the trust sector create the supportive environment necessary within their schools to help emerging talent thrive? Together, they’ll explore how culture can be intentionally shaped to meet the expectations and values of new professionals entering education.