Governance Professionals Conference 2026
Please note that the bookings for this event are now closed. If you would like to attend, please email events@nga.org.uk.
We look forward to welcoming you to our annual conference for governance professionals on:
Day One: Wednesday 18 March 2026 (10:00–12:30)
Day Two: Thursday 19 March 2026 (10:00–12:30)
The conference is one of the most important events in NGA’s calendar. It provides governance professionals at all levels in schools and trusts with the latest updates and insights. It has a stimulating programme covering key issues facing the profession and provides valuable CPD.
We are delighted to be joined by Mark Blois, Browne Jacobson, who will share legal updates with delegates on Day 2 of the conference.
Conference programme
Day 1 – Wednesday 18 March 2026
Welcome and introduction
Emma Balchin, Chief Executive
The case for governance and the role of governance professionals
Sam Henson, Deputy Chief Executive & Ruth Agnew, Strategic Lead for Governance Professionals
Comfort break
NGA updates
The new Learning Link platform and how it supports governance professionals – Tara Roseblade, Head of E-Learning
Panel discussion
Ofsted: the new framework and the governance professional with Q&A
Close Day 1
Ruth Agnew
Day 2 – Thursday 19 March 2026
Welcome
Ruth Agnew, Strategic Lead for Governance Professionals
Legal update
Mark Blois, Partner and National Head of Education, Browne Jacobson – followed by Q&A
Comfort break
Policy and Practice
Schools’ role as civic leaders – James Townsend, Executive Director, Reach Foundation
NGA Updates
- Key issues from Gold Advice – Rani Kaur, Head of Advice
- Training and Consultancy Services – Tajinder Juss, Professional Development Co-ordinator
- Consultancy Services – Rosemary Lovatt, Head of Consultancy, NGA
Close Day 2
Charlotte Harding, Director of Professional Development
Please note that the bookings for this event are now closed. If you would like to attend, please email events@nga.org.uk.
Sarah Lay ACG
Head of Governance and Company Secretary of Co-op Academies Trust
Sarah has worked in governance roles for more than 15 years, within and outside education. She is currently the Head of Governance and Company Secretary of Co-op Academies Trust, a 38-school multi-academy trust in the North of England, where she leads a team of governance professionals supporting central and local governance across the trust. She is a trustee of a charity in central Manchester, and the current holder of NGA’s Outstanding Lead Governance Professional Award.
Jane Edminson
Service Lead for Governor Effectiveness, Newcastle City Council
Jane has worked in the governor services team in Newcastle City Council for nearly 25 years, leading on training, advice and support and, currently, as Service Lead for Governor Effectiveness, managing a team of governance professionals. She was a National Leader of Governance both under the original arrangements managed by the National College, and under the DfE scheme, via NGA. She has considerable governance experience including currently as co-chair at a maintained primary school and vice chair at Newcastle's Virtual School. She has been an NGA trustee since 2024.
Day 2
Mark Blois
Founding Partner, Education Team at Browne Jacobson LLP
Mark Blois is a partner in the the Education team at Browne Jacobson. He has extensive experience in education governance including as the founding chair of the L.E.A.D academy trust, a 27-school trust based in the East Midlands, where he has served as a trustee for fifteen years. As well as being a leading voice in education law, he has been recognised in the 'Disability Power 100' and 'Legal Hot 100' lists.
James Townsend
Executive Director of the Reach Foundation
James is the Executive Director of the Reach Foundation. The work of the Reach Foundation focuses on supporting schools and communities to work together to build systems of support which enable children to thrive. He leads the Cradle to Career Partnership, which supports school groups nationwide to enable all babies, children and young people in their communities to enjoy lives of choice and opportunity.