Natalie Ruane

Director of Employer Policy, CST

Having worked as a solicitor in private legal practice for over 20 years, Natalie now manages a business providing HR and legal support for the education sector across northern England. In this role, Natalie works closely and collaboratively with trade unions in the sector, chairing a consultation group for academies. She sits as a director on the board of a multi academy trust and as the vice chair of a primary school interim executive board. Most recently she has been appointed to the Confederation of School Trusts as Director of Employer Policy, working to represent the interests of trusts as employers.

1 Workshops series one

Navigating the employer policy landscape

The employer policy landscape is evolving rapidly. This session will focus on how trusts can successfully navigate the implications of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill and the Employment Rights Bill, as well as how to cultivate and maintain positive relationships with unions.

1 Workshop series three

Employment Rights Bill and the school support staff proposals

In this session we will focus on the Employment Rights Bill provisions to establish a school support staff negotiating body, which will make recommendations on pay, terms and conditions of employment, training, and career progression for school support staff working in both maintained schools and academies. Natalie, who sits on the DfE’s working group for this body, will explain the impact of the proposed legislation for trusts and will also consider the aspects which remain open to consultation.