We are thrilled to announce that Nic and Kimmy will be speaking at the #SAAShow event this year!

Here are the talks that they are participating in:

The SEND Conference 
Main Plenary Panel - 09:30-10:10 KIMMY

The State of Play: Navigating the Changing Landscape of National SEND Provision and Practice

The SEND Conference 
Fireside Chat - 14:10-14:50 KIMMY
 
Breaking Down Silos: Cultivating and Maintaining Sustainable Inclusion Partnerships

The SEND Conference 
Panel - 14:10-14:50 NIC

Wellbeing & Inclusion Stream - Digital Inclusion: Leveraging EdTech to Enhance SEND Provision

MAT Summit
Fireside Chat - 15:05 – 15:35 NIC

Moving Past Performance Agendas: How Do We Measure Success?

For more information please visit here and if you’re going to be there let us know via the event on our LinkedIn page here.

Forum Strategy & the Global Equality Collective (GEC) are delighted to offer this series of online sessions to members of Forum Strategy’s national networks, offering safe spaces within which to talk openly about complex and sensitive topics.

These unique sessions will be open to those with lived experience of the theme as well as allies who may not to be directly affected, but would like to offer support and solidarity. All groups will get separate ‘safe spaces’ as well as the chance to learn from one another. Each session will begin with some initial input to prompt reflection and thinking but the vast majority of the time will be open discussion time to discuss aspects that are most pressing for you or you would like some ideas from a trusted network to think through.

This first session in the series will focus on exploring the gender gap in leadership positions across education – discussing why we see these trends (and why they are taking so long to close) and what more we could be doing in trusts to raise these issues and help to address them across the system.

To book onto this event, please complete the online booking form here.

Please note that the sessions will be for Forum Strategy members only.

Sign up now here!

‘Fight 6’ Inclusion Revolution - Let's Get Physical

The speakers:

To Be Confirmed.

Chaired by Nic Ponsford, Founder, Global Equality Collective

The session will include:

- Stats on inclusive physical health

- Why is there a fight for inclusion in terms of physical health in schools?

- What can we do about it?

- How improving physical education practice help make schools improve?

- What three things can you do this week to make a difference in your school? (Takeaways)

- Looking forward, what else can we do to improve physical health in education?

- Q&A

More info:

Nic Ponsford, Founder & CEO, Global Equality Collective (GEC)

Nic Ponsford FIESE FRSA is the award-winning founder of the Global Equality Collective (GEC). After working in education for over 20 years as a teacher, school leader, coach and examiner, Nic wanted to find an accessible means to make ordinary classrooms extraordinarily inclusive.

In 2017, Nic set up the Global Equality Collective (GEC) to address 'one of the biggest issues in education' - diversity and inclusion. This grassroots community of over 13,000 includes the world's biggest 'Collective' of Inclusion & Well-Being experts, and is the creator of the multi-award winning, first 'intersectional' platform for schools and colleges, the GEC Platform.

Elly Chapple, Founder #FlipTheNarrative, TEDx Speaker

Elly is passionate about understanding human communication and behaviour, both verbal and non-verbal. In 2014 when her eldest daughter lost her vision through misunderstanding of her disability, Elly sold her business to come home and begin another journey. She shared their story at TEDx Norwich to launch #FlipTheNarrative. Elly is passionate that trauma work includes the discussion and acceptance of Institutional ACEs/System Trauma to uphold human rights. Elly’s daughter is her greatest teacher, and this has focused her efforts on sharing the understanding of how successful lives can be, if we retain our curiosity and keenness to learn about human difference daily. Currently Elly is working on a variety of projects and learning daily from colleagues in the fields of trauma, education, health, and social care. See CanDoElla for more information - https://candoella.com/our-story/

Ian Holmes, Co-Directcor Moev & Learn CIC

Ian Holmes is a former head teacher who ensured physical activity and its wide relating benefits sat at the heart of the school’s culture and ethos. This led to his involvement in national and international research projects on whole school physical activity. He is passionate about supporting schools to embrace a whole systems approach to physical activity and well-being in order to improve outcomes for the children they serve. He recently worked for the University of Bradford, ensuring research and practice were brought together in the implementation of the Creating Active Schools programmes at local, regional and national levels. He is now a co-director of Move & Learn (CIC) - providing programmes and support for those in education (and beyond) that focus on reducing sedentary time in teaching and training in order to improve both experiences and outcomes for all. He is also a European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC) accredited coach at master practitioner level.

Bryn Llewellyn, Founder of Tagtiv8

According to a 10 year old child at a school in London, “Bryn is a genius.” However, his friends & family know the truth. Bryn worked in various UK schools for over 20 years as a teacher & school leader. In 2013, he founded Tagtiv8. His pioneering approach to Physically Active Learning (PAL) provides an enjoyable alternative to classroom based learning – crucial when challenging the increasing problem of sedentary lifestyles. Research by Leeds Beckett University demonstrates that Tagtiv8 PAL solutions tackle inactivity & obesity levels, as well as impacting positively on academic performance. Following this research, Dr Andy Daly-Smith & Bryn Llewellyn co-delivered their TEDx Talk.

Bryn is co-director of Move & Learn (CIC) - as well as advising the BBC & the Premier League on their education content.

Microlink is delighted to feature our very own Nic "Inclusion Revolution" Ponsford FRSA, Founder of the GEC and Co-Head of Education at Microlink PC UK Ltd, who will describe the Global Equality Collective and GEC Platform in the final webinar in the series whats new in AT.

To register please click here.

‘Fight 5’ Inclusion Revolution - Testing Times

The speakers:

Sammy White

Daren White

Chaired by Nic Ponsford, Founder, Global Equality Collective

The session will include:

- Stats on access to examinations and assessments

- Why are exams not working?

- What can we do about it?

- How improving exams and assessments help make schools improve?

- What three things can you do this week to make a difference in your school? (Takeaways)

- Looking forward, what else can we do to improve the exam experience in education?

- Q&A

More info:

Nic Ponsford, Founder & CEO, Global Equality Collective (GEC)

Nic Ponsford FIESE FRSA is the award-winning founder of the Global Equality Collective (GEC). After working in education for over 20 years as a teacher, school leader, coach and examiner, Nic wanted to find an accessible means to make ordinary classrooms extraordinarily inclusive.

In 2017, Nic set up the Global Equality Collective (GEC) to address 'one of the biggest issues in education' - diversity and inclusion. This grassroots community of over 13,000 includes the world's biggest 'Collective' of Inclusion & Well-Being experts, and is the creator of the multi-award winning, first 'intersectional' platform for schools and colleges, the GEC Platform.

Sammy White, award-winning edtech thought leader, working on accessibility driven EdTech assessment solutions, responsible for the GCSEs of 2000+ students every year (for years) and author

Sammy White is an accomplished educator with a deep passion for enhancing learning experiences. With a background as a dedicated teacher in schools and colleges, Sammy has made a significant impact in the field of education technology.

In 2023, Sammy was named one of the Tech Women 100, highlighting her remarkable achievements in the tech world and her inspiring role as a woman in the industry. Sammy's commitment to education and technology is evidenced by her work empowering fellow educators with the latest tools and strategies. Her dedication to the education sector is lived through her unwavering commitment to fairness, advocating for equality and equity for all.

Sammy continues to be a driving force in the intersection of education and technology, inspiring students, teachers, and colleagues with her innovative approach and unwavering dedication to creating a more equitable learning environment.

Daren White, Award-winning, internationallly recognised Digital Senior Leader, author and Innovator

Daren is a highly experienced teacher and Senior Leader with a passion for integrating technology into education. With over 20 years of experience in teaching and over 10 years in leadership roles, he is now Academic Technologies Lead for one of the UK's largest Multi-Academy Trusts.

As a certified Trainer, Innovator, and Coach, Daren co-leads GEG UK and was recognized as a 2021/22 #Edtech50 award-winner. Additionally, he is a Microsoft Innovative Educator and an Apple Teacher.

Daren proudly won the Skills Development Champion Award at The Edufuturists Awards along with being recently announced as a Silver Winner for Digital Innovator in the 2023 National Teaching Awards. He has also published 2 books on education: What’s Their Why? and It’s Your Time You’re Wasting!

You can sign up to attend the live session or get a recording straight to your inbox here!

This event is a pivotal conference where the realms of artificial intelligence and cultural intelligence converge in the context of education. Our event offers a dual exploration. One strand delves into the ever-evolving role of people and emotional intelligence in educational settings and how we can prepare for an unknown future; the other unravels the transformative power of AI and assistive tech; hopes, fears and applications in school.

While these themes progress on separate paths, their intersection reveals exciting possibilities for the future of learning and teaching. Join us for an insightful journey through these two dynamic threads, where we'll explore, learn, and shape a future that harmoniously integrates human touch with technological innovation.

Secure your ticket today for an enlightening experience!

For more information on this event please click here.

The Bett Awards are a celebration of the inspiring creativity and innovation that can be found throughout technology for education. Produced in association with Besa, being a Bett Award-winner is simply the best way to showcase your organisation with a sign of excellence.

We are thrilled to be on the 2024 shortlist for the Transformational Impact Award.

Fighting for Inclusion in Exams: Testing Times

And… whilst it is, the Global Equality Collective will be looking for solutions.

Bringing you the best of our Global Equality Collective - our 300 strong collective of inclusion and well-being experts - the latest knowledge, research and expertise and YOU!

See our previous (and upcoming) webinars here or in our GEC Platform!

Nord Angelia Pilot Launch

An in-person event for EDI Leads across Nord Angelia.

Venue - London.

Founder of the GEC, Nic Ponsford will lead a session on EDI for the educators and then launch the GEC Platform for their schools and teams.

This pilot will run for a year.

Join us for an enlightening session with Nic Ponsford as we delve into the world of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) across the curriculum.

Discover the fundamentals of DEI, explore what's on the horizon for DEI, including DEIJB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging), intersectionality, and the concept of hyperdiversity.

What is DEI?

• Gain a foundational understanding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and why it's crucial in today's world.

What's next for DEI?

• Dive into the future of DEI, including emerging trends like DEIJB, intersectionality, and the concept of hyperdiversity.

DEI Trends in the curriculum

• Explore the current DEI trends related to educational curriculum, with a focus on improving access, diversity, and inclusion for both staff and students.

Ensuring Inclusivity in Your Approach

• Learn how you can ensure you are inclusive in your approach in all aspects of education, from products and communications to recruitment and services.

Diversifying Your Partnerships

• Discover actionable steps to diversify your partnerships.

Don't miss this opportunity to broaden your understanding of DEI and equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout your educational journey. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion led by Nic Ponsford.

Hybrid Launch for PEP Wave 1 Schools

This is open to all Wave 1 PEP schools who have signed up for the GEC Platform. All GEC Champions are invited to the in person event - or can join virtually.

Schedule is as follows:

ECT Workshops on DEI + GEC Platform