MAT Excellence in Action - SOLD OUT - Speakers

Steve Lancashire, Executive Coach and Mentor

Steve Lancashire, founder, and former CEO of REAch2, the largest primary academy trust in England, has more than 35 years of experience in education, including 20 years as a headteacher. Knighted in 2016 for his significant contributions, he has worked both nationally and internationally as a national leader of education and lead adviser for the UK Department for Education’s London Challenge. Steve specialises in executive coaching, mentoring, and multi-academy trust development. Steve recently authored Reflections on Being the CEO, a book that explores leadership challenges and opportunities in public sector management. Currently, Steve consults as an educational leadership consultant, enhancing leadership skills and strategic capabilities across UK MATs and businesses.

Penny Swain, Education Talent Solutions Director, Supporting Education Group

Penny is education talent solutions director for Supporting Education Group, a school services business working with 90% of MATs across England. With 30 years in the education sector, a qualified secondary science teacher and MAT trustee, she has previously taught science in mainstream and AP in Kent and Newham. Penny now supports MATs and schools with understanding their current people challenges and brings together market-leading specialists in workforce resourcing, staff training and system solutions. With a strong people strategy, schools are able to attract, recruit, retain, develop and manage their great people to best support the progress of their pupils.