Jonny Wathen

CIO and Founding Director, TransforMATive

An experienced school trust executive, Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Data Protection Officer (DPO) who has successfully delivered a trust-wide digital transformation in a large, complex and rapidly growing trust. Jonny has completed an Executive MBA programme achieving Chartered Manager status via the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). His innovative applied research project explored the potential for digital transformation through business model innovation within multi academy trusts. As an active CIO Net member, Jonny networks with ambitious digital leaders and businesses from across the globe. A recognised thought leader on digital transformation, Jonny also speaks at conferences and shares insights via roundtables and panel discussions both within and beyond the education sector. As a former teacher and head of learning, Jonny has a passion for technology enhanced learning approaches. He has contributed to a range of further and higher education digital projects including an online massive online open course (MOOC), Blended Learning Essentials, in collaboration with UCL and the University of Leeds. Other projects included contributing to programmes such as the Technology Exemplar Network (BECTA), MoleNet (LSN), Regional Sustainability Event and Resource Utilisation Network (LSIS).

1 Breakout sessions: Series one

The Human × AI operating model: Rethinking trust design

This strategic, research-informed session asks how we might design trusts differently for an increasingly AI-enabled world. Using the Human × AI Operating Model Framework, we will explore what should remain human-led, where AI can augment professional capability, what could be AI-led with human oversight, what can be automated – and what trusts might stop doing altogether. Trust leaders will bring practical perspectives on these choices, alongside emerging research and structured discussion. You will gain the tools to support executive and board-level conversations about workforce, culture, governance, and risk. Additional session speakers to be confirmed.

Laying strong foundations

1 Workshop series one

Leading transformation within constraints: Building foundations for sustainable change

Room: Connect

This panel discussion explores the perspectives of two trust leaders. Tricia shares lessons from prioritising digital investment and delivering change within the constraints of limited capacity and resources. Ather shares practical examples from leading organisation-wide transformation at scale, including how to sequence change, involve the right stakeholders, strengthen governance, connect systems and support AI adoption. Drawing on real case studies and lessons learned, we explore the decisions, trade-offs and approaches that have shaped digital investment, transformation sequencing, digital foundations and AI adoption in practice.

09:35

1 Main programme

Keynote: Leading through uncertainty: AI, judgement and decision-making in education

As AI and data rapidly reshape education, the challenge for leaders is not just what to adopt, but how to think and decide in uncertain conditions. In this keynote, Madiha helps leaders make sense of the current moment, drawing on her work across the edtech sector in the UK and internationally. Shaping bold, ambitious ideas into grounded sense-making and practical action, she explores how the market is evolving, where evidence remains limited, and how to make proportionate, well-judged decisions. Focusing on leadership judgement over tools, she offers practical ways to evaluate choices, set boundaries, and communicate decisions clearly.