Olympian Kriss Akabusi inspires Trust staff at annual conference

The Trust's whole staff body - spanning 17 schools and associated support teams - gathered across two sites, Trent Conference Centre in Nottingham and Pride Park Stadium in Derby.

Colleagues in both teaching and operational roles came together for the conference, themed around 'Achieving Together’ and encompassing more than 25 separate CPD workshops led by experts in their fields.

Workshops included:

• Outdoor learning for Early Years children
• Outstanding Post-16 teaching
• Reading passion and prowess: how a vibrant reading culture and stretching talented readers go hand in hand
• Microsoft Copilot: doing the heavy lifting
• Girls in sport: understanding the barriers and challenges facing girls' participation
• Inclusion for all: supporting children in vulnerable situations
• Marketing your school: using social media to support pupil recruitment
• Educational visits: training for trip organisers and supporting staff

The conference schedule was opened and closed by keynote speakers; Andrew Burns (Redhill Trust Chief Executive) and very special guest Kriss Akabusi MBE.

Many of us knew Kriss from his glittering sporting career, having amassed three Olympic medals. Some recognised his face (and laugh!) from primetime TV appearances including the legendary Record Breakers. But despite what we thought we knew about him, there was much more to learn…

Kriss’s energetic keynote presentation took the audience back to his childhood including a period in care, then his time at school playing ‘the joker’ and joining the British Army as a teenager without any qualifications. He spoke movingly about the adults who had seen his potential and steered him towards the right path. He also touched on the mental strength and resilience needed to be a world class athlete, along with teamwork and support staff behind the scenes. Kriss's engaging personality, inspirational speaking style and remarkable back story gave Redhill Trust colleagues so much to contemplate; on resilience, determination, positivity and personal growth. It was a reminder of the role we each play as part of the wider Trust team, working together to instil these qualities in the young people whose life chances we aim to improve through our collective Trust mission.

Many thanks to everyone who supported this ambitious event. Most workshops were led by our own experienced and knowledgeable staff. Some were hosted by external partners including: Allman Hall, Paramedical First Aid, Stone King LLP, Period Education, Bailey Digital Classroom, KRCS, Apple Education Team, Oak National Academy, Nottinghamshire County Council.