With the Trust now operating 37 academies, the annual conference plays a vital role in ensuring the HR network remains connected, bringing HR colleagues together from across the Trust to collaborate, learn and share best practices. 

The event was opened by Ruth Agnew, Chief Governance & People Officer, who emphasised the critical role of HR in creating a positive work environment across the Trust. 

Martin Blacoe, Director of Coaching, delivered a thought provoking and interactive session on the importance of coaching in professional development. His insights focused on how HR can support staff growth, helping them achieve their full potential through structured coaching opportunities.

In the afternoon, Linda Gregory, Director of People & Communications at Birmingham Diocesan Multi Academy Trust, spoke about SAM People, a tool designed to streamline HR processes and gave an insightful presentation on 'A Journey from HR Compliance to Valuing Staff.'

Reflecting on the session, Laura Roberts, Deputy Head of HR, said: "The afternoon session of our HR Conference provided an in-depth look into onboarding SAMpeople and defining success on our journey towards compliance and truly valuing our people.

“Key themes that emerged from our interactive sessions with our HR leads included driving greater efficiencies, fostering accountability at all levels, and streamlining processes. These improvements will allow our HR leads to dedicate more time to our positive wellbeing culture in our academies, more time on wellbeing conversations and action plans, and to offer increased coaching and mentoring support from HR for line managers."

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