SAAS Summer Series: Episode 4 | The White Paper and How This Will Impact Trusts

The Schools White Paper has prompted plenty of discussion across the education sector, but what does it actually mean for trusts?

For multi-academy trusts, policy changes can create both opportunities and challenges. But how much should a White Paper influence the direction of a trust that already has a clear ethos, strong values and a defined vision for its schools?

In Episode 4 of the SAAS Summer Sessions, we revisit an important conversation from the Schools & Academies Show London 2026, bringing together trust leaders and education experts to explore what the White Paper could mean for the future of trusts.

What Does the White Paper Mean for Trusts?

The White Paper represents an important moment for the education sector, with potential implications for how schools and trusts operate, collaborate and plan for the future.

But policy doesn't exist in isolation.

Trusts have their own values, priorities and approaches to school improvement. So how should they balance responding to national policy with maintaining the identity and purpose that makes their organisation distinctive?

This session brings together a panel of experienced education leaders to explore these questions and consider what the changing policy landscape could mean for trusts.

The panel features:
- Christina Jones, Chief Executive Officer, River Tees Multi-Academy Trust
- Dr Kulvarn Atwal, Executive Head Teacher, The Thinking Schools Federation
- Emily Verow, Chief Executive Officer, Three Spires Trust
- Emma Balchin, Chief Executive, National Governance Association
- Chair: Sir Andrew Carter KBE, Former Chief Executive Officer, South Farnham Educational Trust

What Does the Session Explore?

The discussion considers:

• What the contents of the Schools White Paper could mean for trusts.
• How much influence policy documents should have on trusts with a strong ethos and clear strategic direction.
• How trusts can navigate policy change while remaining true to their values.
• What the future could look like for trusts within an evolving education landscape.

Rather than simply asking what the White Paper says, the panel considers the bigger question: how should trusts respond?

Watch the Session

Whether you're part of a trust leadership team, governance, school improvement or the wider education community, this session offers valuable perspectives on navigating policy change while keeping organisational purpose at the heart of decision making. 

WATCH EPISODE 4 ON YOUTUBE >>

Continue the Conversation in Birmingham

The conversation doesn't stop here.

At the Schools & Academies Show Birmingham, education leaders from across the sector will come together to explore the policies, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of education.

With 300+ speakers, 50+ hours of CPD and 250+ education suppliers, the show offers two days of insight, practical ideas and opportunities to connect with the people shaping education.

Join us at the NEC Birmingham on 18-19 November 2026 and continue the conversation.

👉 Register free for the Schools & Academies Show Birmingham 2026 and discover what's waiting for you this November.