1 Workshops series one

Purposeful transitions: Not growth for growth’s sake

With the shift toward a fully trust‑led system, mergers and growth remain critical strategic questions for trust boards. Purposeful, values‑led mergers are the most likely to deliver lasting benefit for pupils, staff, and communities. This session explores the realities of the merger journey, drawing on trusts that have been through the process, examining what worked well, what could have been better, and what boards should consider when deciding whether, when, and how to merge or grow.