The Influential People Director Programme for 2026
We are delighted to launch this new and exciting programme for the Education sector. The programme is open to senior HR/People professionals in Schools Trusts and school Groups who are responsible for influencing people strategy in their organisation. It is suitable for HR/People Directors and those at Deputy/Head level aspiring to Director level. Delegates may come from an HR, Education or Operations background.
The programme is run and facilitated by two experienced and influential People/HR Directors, Mandy Coalter and Lindsay Batchford. Mandy is the Founder of Talent Architects, former Director of People at United Learning and is a Trustee at E-ACT and The National Teaching Awards. Lindsay is the former HR Director at United Learning and is a Trustee at Keys Academies Trust and Bright Futures Trust.
Key contributors to the programme include Leora Cruddas CBE, Chief Executive of the Confederation of School Trusts, Sir David Carter, former National Schools Commissioner, Peter Cheese, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and Linbert Spencer OBE Co-Founder of Trust Inclusion and many more!
The programme takes place over the course of a year and is a mix of blended learning including residentials, webinars, coaching/mentoring and networking.
The programme aims to equip delegates to make maximum impact in their Trusts so that they can work effectively with leaders to create great places to work and ultimately make a difference to the education of children. It covers topics such as:
- Key trends in the sector and how these impact the people agenda
- Developing and implementing impactful People Strategy
- Organisational development and change management during an era of growth and mergers
- Working with the CEO, Executives and Headteachers
- Developing leadership talent and people leadership
- Governance and engaging with the Board
- Positive power, building influence, relationships and credibility
- Developing the HR/People function including the operating model, technology, AI and professional development
- Hot topics in HR/Schools sector such as latest practice, research and evidence
- Learning from great practice in leading Trusts
- Networking and action learning
Delegates attend two residential events which include valuable networking time with other colleagues. Webinars cover hot topics with contributors along with networking and action learning. Each delegate has two 1-1 coaching/mentoring sessions with Mandy.
Cost is £2995 plus VAT.
Thank you to our amazing sponsors Edurio and My New Term.