Last week we brought our Trust Services colleagues together as one team for our Trust Services Development Day – a really important moment for CET.
The day was opened by our CEO, Lorrayne Hughes OBE, who set the tone with a warm welcome and a clear reminder of the vital role Trust Services plays in supporting our schools and living out our shared values.
Trust Services at CET is one team made up of Finance, HR, Business Operations, IT, Estates, Governance, Safeguarding and Data. Individually strong, but at our best when aligned around shared values, clear priorities and a common purpose: enabling our schools and leaders to focus on the very best outcomes for children and young people.
This was also our newly appointed Chief Financial & Operations Officer Jonny Coates first opportunity to bring the full Trust Services team together, and it marked a clear statement of intent – a genuine investment in our people, our culture and how we work together as a trust.
A huge thank you to Laura Williams (L J Business Consultancy Ltd) and the Institute of School Business Leadership, who were introduced today as key partners supporting us on our journey from good to great. Their insight, challenge and practical focus on professional development and clear pathways will play an important role as we continue to strengthen and mature our Trust Services offer.
The day focused on:
- Where we are – our strengths and sticking points
- Where we’re going – priorities, plans and practical next steps
- How we grow capability, confidence and clarity across Trust Services
Most importantly, it reinforced that we move forward together – with openness, collaboration and a shared commitment to high standards of service delivery across CET, driven by Operational Excellence principles.
A strong day, a strong team, and an exciting road ahead.