Liz Worthen · School business · Conversations with school leaders about sustainable working: people, planet and resources.
Emma Gray and Helen Burge explore what system leadership looks like in practice, why curiosity and collaboration matter, and how SBLs can recognise and extend the influence they already have. You don’t need a particular job title, or a seat on the SLT, to be a systems leader. The Unbound SBLs discuss how it can come through: Moving from delivering to shaping, and from asking “what’s in front of me?” to “what’s the…
What makes a good lunchtime? From pupils' wellbeing and belonging to staff deployment, food waste and sustainability, we explore how schools can make more of this important part of the day. Food carries a lot of feelings. It nurtures and nourishes us, helping us learn, teach and lead – and giving us a chance to relax, reset and connect with others. In schools, lunchtimes can also be a pressure point. Behaviour, time…
Yamina Bibi explores how removing barriers, creating belonging and providing the right support can help people thrive – and why that matters for recruiting, retaining and getting the best from our school workforce. Drawing on learning from the Mission 44 Diversity in ITT project, Yamina talks to host Liz Worthen about how schools can remove barriers to recruitment, retention and progression for staff with protected…
We know that inclusive environments matter for pupils. But do we apply the same thinking for staff? Maisie Cass explores what a more neuroinclusive approach could look like – and how small changes can reduce friction, support retention and create space for belonging. We have an increasingly neurodiverse workforce. What does that mean for staffing in your setting? Unmet neurodivergent needs can show up as behaviour…
What can schools do when pupil numbers are falling? We explore how to anticipate the risks, create experiences that attract families, and find new opportunities in changing circumstances. Falling birth rates and demographic shifts mean many schools are grappling with declining pupil numbers – and the knock-on effects for budgets and staffing. In this episode, Liz Worthen draws on conversations from recent podcast…
Milli Cowling talks about the shift from diary management and meetings to influence and impact, and the quiet leadership behind the role – from protecting leaders’ time and capacity to spotting patterns, solving problems and helping shape school culture. In conversation with host Liz Worthen, Milli talks us through: A day in the life of a headteacher’s PA How and why the role has changed so much What gets missed or…
Host Liz Worthen welcomes Nickii Messer to discuss imposter syndrome, how it shows up in school roles, and practical ways to challenge the ‘confidence gremlins’. Nickii shares how self-doubt nearly stopped her becoming chair of governors for two schools, and explores how imposter thoughts link to the ‘Ps’ of perfectionism, procrastination, perspective and panic. They talk about: Challenging the gremlin voice through…
Liz is joined by Unbound SBLs Emma Gray and Helen Burge to unpack what ‘value’ really means for school business leaders – and how to create more of it, even when time and money are tight. The conversation opens with a listener challenge: an SBL facing a leadership decision that carries real financial risk, while the rest of the room seems ready to nod it through. Should they speak up or go along with the consensus?…
In this reflective episode at the end of the school year, host Liz Worthen draws on the experiences of podcast guests to wonder: what’s got you through? What, or who, has sustained you? What storms have you survived? What do you want to celebrate? Emma Gray recommends stepping into corridors, classrooms and playgrounds to reconnect with the energy and impact of young people Viv Grant shares how painting trees and…
Liz Worthen interviews Sufian Sadiq, Chief Talent and Transformation Officer at Chiltern Learning Trust, about using innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial thinking to work more sustainably in schools. Sufian shares how his background in business studies and entrepreneurship shapes a talent strategy that has recruited 350 teachers without paid adverts, driven by social media, local presence and long-term…
Host Liz Worthen explores how investing in relationships can reduce conflict and stress in schools, improve wellbeing for staff and pupils, and build sustainable support beyond the school gates. Listen to consider: How does a relational approach to behaviour make for calmness and consistency? Can the same approach work with adults? What makes for positive relationships with parents? How does strong leadership support…
“Winter will take you by surprise.” Leadership coach and former headteacher Viv Grant was about to begin her PhD on wholeness when she got the call about her cancer diagnosis. Viv shares with host Liz Worthen how in this crisis she picked up a brush, began to paint – and couldn’t stop. By ‘Learning to Walk in the Dark’ (the title of her book), Viv discovered the power of the five Cs: curiosity, commitment, courage…
Host Liz Worthen speaks with leadership development and DEIB champion Hannah Wilson about the ‘B' in DEIB: belonging. What do we really mean when we talk about belonging? Are we ready to ask the curious and tough questions about who feels a sense of belonging, who doesn’t, and why? We talk about: Belonging as an outcome of committing to diversity, equity and inclusion (D+E+I=B). Starting with the adults – do all our…
How does community engagement unlock additional funding for schools? In this roundtable episode four sector leaders share lessons learned: Justin Smith, Vicki Newsome, Matthew Smith MBE and Richard Manville. Listen for practical insights into: The benefits of community engagement Why income generators need flexibility and resilience Getting your support and evidence clear from the start Putting together…
Playtimes in schools are under pressure. Children are playing 50% less than a generation ago, behaviour is getting harder to manage, and playtime is getting squeezed out. In this episode, Liz Worthen talks to Positive Playtime champion Thérèse Hoyle – coach, author and founder of the Positive Playtime Award Programme – about why play is so vital for children's wellbeing, learning and resilience, and how schools can…
In this episode, Liz Worthen explores what happens when we listen first – and how it can actually save time and lead to better outcomes in schools. Aldaine Wynter, Director of International Mindedness, Diversity and Inclusion at Washington International School, reflects on spending his first year listening – meeting parents, staff and community groups before launching major initiatives, so he could “meet the…
Host Liz Worthen talks with Dee Higgins, therapeutic thinking lead and former PRU senior leader, about reducing stress for staff in schools and improving pupil behaviour through relational, restorative and reflective practice. Listen for: What a relational approach means (and why it’s not a soft option) Calmness, consistency and connection before correction Lunchtime equity and the importance of play The case for…
‘One of the dangers is that we think it's a risk assessment and that it's only a paper exercise. And actually if you fall into that trap, you are missing out on the opportunity to navigate the organisation in a structured and considered way.’ Host Liz Worthen gets together with school business leadership champions Helen Burge and Emma Gray to talk about all things risk. Why does risk matter? Whose responsibility is…
How do we prepare for the changing world of AI? James Browning, COO at Lift Schools, encourages us to think of artificial intelligence as a collaborator for tackling real world problems, not just tools and fancy tech. We reflect on his organisation’s journey so far, the potential positives of AI, and protecting what matters. Can AI help personalise learning? Reduce workload? Support high quality thinking? How do we…
‘Things don't happen overnight... You've got to be in this for the long haul.’ Drawing on her 15 years’ experience as a school sustainability director, Wendy Litherland shares lessons learned in getting staff, pupils, governors and community members engaged in eco-action. How do you sustain impact and bring people together? Wendy talks about: Why making friends with the caretaker is your first priority Building…
