Educational Governance in Practice: Research, Reflection and Reform

The University of Sunderland and Stone King Solicitors are delighted to present: Educational Governance in Practice: Research, Reflection and Reform — Bridging Theory and Practice in the Leadership of Schools, Colleges, and Universities

Friday September 19th, 2025

Sir Tom Cowie Lecture Theatre, Prospect Building, St Peter’s Campus, University of Sunderland, SR6 0DD

Programme

This conference is being organised to consider how governing can contribute to successful teaching & learning and leadership in schools, academies, colleges and universities The conference will hear from a range of speakers who will share their insight and experience of governing in practice The conference is also intended to continue discussions to stimulate our research agenda and to help us understand more about the potential of governing within educational leadership.

Booking

Ticket for the whole day is £70.00 this includes refreshments and lunch. Please use this Eventbrite link to book:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/education-governance-tickets-1389085725799?aff=oddtdtcreator

Presentations throughout the day include:

Keynote / Introduction: Sir David Bell Vice Chancellor University of Sunderland
Governing and technology - research findings: Sarah Johnson
Current themes for governing in education: Chartered Institute for Governance (speaker to be confirmed).
Governing – from the Chief Executive’s viewpoint. A personal reflection: Janet Smith, Chief Exec, Nottingham College
Governance of English F.E. Colleges - is it fit for purpose? (messages from a PhD journey) Stephanie Mason
Students at the heart of governance: do we really mean it? Gordon Hunt and Deborah Perry
Governing a multi-academy trust across secondary/tertiary phases’ Linda Watkins – Heart of Mercia MAT
We will also hear from Prof Ron Hill, Dr Ben Middleton, Prof Gary Husband, Tom Morrison and other guests.

Getting here

There is ample parking at St Peter’s Campus which is also only a 10-minute walk from the metro and train stations in Sunderland. If you require any additional assistance, please contact Dr Gary Husband using gary.husband@sunderland.ac.uk.

Prospect Building is number 25 in the map below.

For full map details please navigate to: https://tinyurl.com/2x3ns627