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Annual Conference and AGM

Events & networks
19/11/2026
10:00 - 15:30
NEC, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT
Event date
19/11/2026
Time
10:00 - 15:30
Location
NEC, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT

Join us for NGA’s Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting on Thursday 19 November. We are delighted to hold this event as part of the School and Academies Show in Birmingham.

The conference will include an Annual Address from our Chief Executive, Emma Balchin, outlining our forthcoming priorities driven by you. We’ll also have topical seminars where industry experts will share their views and practical ideas to support you in your roles.

Programme

Full programme details will be announced shortly. Please note that the timings of seminar sessions may be subject to change.

Welcome Keynote from NGA's Chief Executive, Emma Balchin, joined by the senior leadership team

This session explores:

  • The four dimensions of 4D Governance:
    • Local governance rooted in and empowered by its community.
    • Expert and specialist trust executives capable of effective governance.
    • Trustees delivering strategic leadership and intelligent delegation.
    • Members who understand, and act accordingly to, their constitutional role of guardian to their trust’s charitable purpose.
    • Governance an awareness of people, process, performance and purpose, not just top-down control.
  • How strong governance handles complex and interconnected systems.
  • The impact of Governing in 4D supporting in understanding challenges, how they occur, how to prevent them in the future and how to align organisational to long-term goals.

Explore the report and the evidence underpinning strong governance practice across trusts.

Speaker: Sam Henson, Deputy Chief Executive, National Governance Association

Time to explore the wider SaaS show

This session explores:

  • Utilising well selected apps, large language models and other software to streamline and support governance tasks.
  • Avoiding ‘Magpie Syndrome’: Using products for the sake of them being new.
  • Identifying tasks which can be completed or supported by Ai or other software.
  • Ensuring tech use is compliant with organisational policies and procedures.

Speaker: Rob Peters, Director of Marketing and Communications, National Governance Association

This session explores:

  • Clarifying the roles and expectations of governance towards SEND reform
  • Examining metrics boards can use to gain oversight of policy and reform enactment
  • What questions will boards ask in terms of supporting and monitoring specialist provision?
  • How can boards be best placed to support inclusion in all settings?

Speaker: Emma Balchin, Chief Executive, National Governance Association 

Lunch break. Time to explore the wider SaaShow

Book your place
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By making a booking onto this event, you agree to NGA sharing your booking details with the SaaShow organisers (GovNet) and agree to their terms and conditions and privacy policy. You also agree to NGA's terms and conditions.

By holding our Annual Address and AGM at the wider Schools and Academies Show, you will gain additional benefits, including:

Free entry

Automatic registration for the 2-day SaaS event featuring 200+ top speakers.

Networking and exhibitor access

Access to 200+ exhibitors during the breaks.

Exclusive access

Exclusive NGA member sessions.

Networking reception

Drinks reception after NGA’s event finishes.

Event location

NEC
North Avenue
Marston Green
Birmingham
B40 1NT

By train

A five-minute walk away from Birmingham International Railway Station.

Parking

Signposted from all motorways and major routes including the M42, M40 and M6.

Speakers

Emma Balchin

Emma Balchin

Chief Executive

Emma has over 25 years of experience in education, leadership and school improvement and in leading professional development services. Emma has also governed and chaired across maintained schools, academy trusts and local academy committees.

Sam Henson

Sam Henson

Deputy Chief Executive

Sam has been NGA's Deputy Chief Executive since January 2024 and previously worked as NGA's Director of Policy and Communications. Sam oversees NGA's policy, research, advocacy, external affairs and advice and guidance work. Sam works closely with and deputises for NGA's Chief Executive, leading the organisation to achieve positive change and drive influence at a national level through our policy and influencing work.

Rob Peters

Director of Marketing and Communications

Rob is a marketing strategist blending expertise in IT and e-business. He leads NGA's marketing and communications directorate, overseeing marketing, web, communications, governance development, and customer service operations.