Leadership Networks & Events
A full overview of every upcoming leadership network and event hosted by MATFMA. Booking is exclusive to members — membership is free for MAT finance and operations professionals, and once you’re approved you can reserve a seat on any session below.
Trust Talk Monthly - August 2026
An informal, agenda-free space for MAT colleagues to pause, grab a coffee and talk openly with people who understand the reality of working in trusts. There are no slides, fixed topics or formal outputs; just a relaxed conversation about whatever is on your mind. Bring a challenge, a frustration, an idea or even just come along to listen. It is a friendly space to share, reflect and sense-check things with peers who get it. Sometimes it just helps to talk things through with people who get it.
Members only — join free to book →Trust Talk Monthly - September 2026
An informal, agenda-free space for MAT colleagues to pause, grab a coffee and talk openly with people who understand the reality of working in trusts. There are no slides, fixed topics or formal outputs; just a relaxed conversation about whatever is on your mind. Bring a challenge, a frustration, an idea or even just come along to listen. It is a friendly space to share, reflect and sense-check things with peers who get it. Sometimes it just helps to talk things through with people who get it.
Members only — join free to book →Online – MAT Supply Framework Changes: Understand, Prepare, Deliver
Gain insight into the recent changes to supply frameworks affecting MATs. Discuss the implications for procurement and finance teams, share experiences with peers, and identify practical actions to strengthen future purchasing decisions and compliance.
Members only — join free to book →Trust Talk Monthly - October 2026
An informal, agenda-free space for MAT colleagues to pause, grab a coffee and talk openly with people who understand the reality of working in trusts. There are no slides, fixed topics or formal outputs; just a relaxed conversation about whatever is on your mind. Bring a challenge, a frustration, an idea or even just come along to listen. It is a friendly space to share, reflect and sense-check things with peers who get it. Sometimes it just helps to talk things through with people who get it.
Members only — join free to book →Online - Community Roundtable - GAG Pooling: Peer Reflections
A practical peer discussion exploring the reality of GAG pooling in multi-academy trusts. Hear honest reflections from trusts that have already implemented it, alongside those currently navigating the process, with a focus on what worked, what proved difficult, and what they would do differently. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask their own questions directly to colleagues with first-hand experience, leaving with useful insight to support discussions back in their own trust.
Members only — join free to book →Online - Catering Conversations: Get Quality, Keep Control
Outsourced catering can make or break school operations. Join candid discussions with peers about managing providers, improving service, and tackling common challenges head-on.
Members only — join free to book →Navigating the tendering process for cleaning provision
A practical discussion exploring the centralisation of cleaning provision following a robust tendering process under the Procurement Act 2023. The session will share key lessons learned, including what to consider when reviewing current arrangements, engaging stakeholders, managing procurement risk and moving from school-level provision to a trust-wide model. Attendees will leave with practical insight to support their own thinking around centralisation, compliance and value for money.
Members only — join free to book →Online - HR and Payroll Provider Change: Avoid Pitfalls, Make It Smooth
A facilitated conversation hosted by Gary Mizler from Learners’ Trust, sharing honest reflections from their migration of HR systems and payroll services during the 2025/26 academic year. The session will explore what worked, what proved challenging, and what they would approach differently. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and leave with practical insight to support their own decision-making, planning and implementation.
Members only — join free to book →Online - Developing Finance Team Culture
Join our guest speaker to discuss what makes effective teams and how you can develop a culture of continuous improvement in the finance team.
Members only — join free to book →Online - Monthly Financial Reporting: Share, Compare, Improve
Elevate your board reporting by sharing templates, ideas, and best practice with other senior MAT finance leaders. Refine your reports and take away actionable improvements.
Members only — join free to book →Designed for MAT Finance Leaders
Membership is free and subject to approval. Join our community to connect with peers, access exclusive opportunities, and take part in upcoming networks, events, and leadership discussions.
Apply to join