London Trust Leaders Network Gathers at Drapers’ Hall for Insightful Autumn Session

On Tuesday 7th October, the London Trust Leaders Network (LTLN) convened once again for a dynamic morning of discussion and collaboration at the stunning Drapers’ Hall in London. The event brought together senior education leaders from across the capital to explore key developments in policy, planning, and inclusion.

The morning began with refreshments and informal networking from 9:30am, before the agenda officially opened at 10:00am with a session led by Alan Parnum, Acting Regional Director at the Department for Education, who was joined by colleagues Dominic Riddex and Judith Fuller. Together, they provided a comprehensive overview of current headlines in education, pupil place planning, and strategies for mainstream inclusion. Their insights were followed by a contribution from Matt Jones, RISE Advisor, who added further depth to the discussion with practical strategies and sector-wide perspectives.

Following a short break at 11:30am, attendees heard from Steve Rollett, Deputy CEO of the Confederation of School Trusts (CST), who provided valuable updates on national policy and the evolving landscape of trust inspection.

Reflecting on the event, several founding members and attendees shared their thoughts:

Tim Plumb, CEO of PolyMAT:
“The strength of the London Trust Leaders Network lies in its ability to bring together diverse voices and experiences. Events like this allow us to stay ahead of policy changes and ensure our schools are best placed to support every child.”

Matthew Kleiner-Mann, CEO of The Ivy Learning Trust:
“Having the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and tackle shared challenges with fellow trust leaders is what makes the LTLN so impactful. These moments of genuine connection are where real progress begins.”

Sian John, Chief Talent Officer at E-ACT:
“It is so exciting to see how the LTLN continues to grow. We are expanding our reach and connecting with more leaders-especially through LinkedIn. The momentum we are building is a reflection of the passion and commitment across our sector.”

Gill Kemp, CEO of University Schools Trust:
“It was lovely to be back at Drapers’ Hall. Thanks to a valued contact from our Trust, we’re fortunate to be able to host an LTLN event here annually. The setting adds a sense of occasion and tradition that perfectly complements the forward-thinking spirit of our discussions.”

The LTLN was established by Gill Kemp, Matthew Kleiner-Mann, Tim Plumb, and Sian John—leaders who envisioned a collaborative space for London-based trust leaders to share best practice, influence policy, and drive meaningful change across the education sector.

The atmosphere throughout the morning was one of genuine engagement and shared purpose. We thoroughly enjoyed welcoming colleagues to Drapers’ Hall and look forward to even more trust leaders joining us for the next LTLN event.