Thames Valley School Business Managers, Heads & Senior Leaders 2019 Conference and Exhibition

Caroline Gielnik

Caroline Gielnik is an authority on organisational development, personal development and wellbeing with over two decades experience; delivering positive change to the lives of hundreds of organisations and individuals. A strong advocate around the importance of a positive workplace culture, Caroline currently works closely with senior leadership teams in hundreds of schools to ensure they create an environment that is conducive for staff (and ultimately pupils) to thrive. As a former coach, consultant and author, Caroline brings a wealth of experience to her current role as Business Development Manager at Education Support Partnership – the UK’s only mental health and wellbeing charity for everyone working in education. Since joining, Caroline has helped the organisation grow to work face-to-face in over 900 schools and colleges. Education Support Partnership run the UK’s largest emotional support helpline for educators, operated by trained and accredited councillors, along with providing a financial grants programme for anyone who works in Education.

Dai Durbridge - Browne Jacobson LLP

Dai is based in Browne Jacobson’s Manchester office and heads up the firm’s education team in the North West. He advises schools, academies and colleges on frontline education matters, including school admissions and exclusions, parental complaints, disqualification from childcare settings and GDPR. He is also a leading expert on safeguarding in education, chairing and speaking at numerous national conferences and writing articles and providing comment for the sector and national press. From supporting schools with allegations made against staff, peer on peer abuse and student mental health issues, to serious case reviews and Ofsted inspections Dai has been on hand to help schools with the full range of safeguarding challenges.

Dave Keeling

Dave Keeling is an Actor, Comedian, Writer and Stand Up Educationalist who delivers highly engaging programmes for Laughology. As a facilitator, presenter and trainer, Dave has worked nationally and internationally in business and education for the last 20 years specialising in change management, improving teamwork and communication, developing creativity and enhancing wellbeing.

Leora Cruddas

Leora Cruddas is the CEO of the Confederation of School Trusts (CST). She was previously Director of Policy and Public Relations for the Association of School and College Leaders, where she was the author of ASCL’s Blueprint for a self-improving system. Leora has a wide range of experiences that reflect her passion for making a difference in the lives of children and young people. She is a committed educationalist who has extensive experience at senior executive level including six years’ experience as a Chief Education Officer in two London Local Authorities. She is a skilled policy analyst who has significant experience of influencing at the most senior levels of government and its agencies. Leora has a first class Masters’ degree in English Literature and is currently undertaking a PhD with the UCL Institute of Education on leadership in education. She has published widely.

Nick Saunders

Nick Saunders has over a 25 year track record as an international keynote speaker and trainer. He specialises in communication, collaboration and conflict resolution – enabling those in schools to work together more effectively. He is the author of the No.1 bestselling book “You can choose your friends…”. Nick is known as The Family Man because he demonstrates that workplaces are like families; you can choose your friends but families and work colleagues you’re stuck with. However, you can still get on with them and Nick illustrates how…by turning relationships into results. Put simply, he is a Collaboration and Practical Communications Specialist who helps those in education turn relationships into results. https://thefamilyman.co.uk/