Our peer-led workshops are designed by MAT professionals, for MAT professionals.
These sessions aren’t about being talked at — they’re about learning from people who truly understand your world.
In every workshop, you’ll hear from experienced leaders across the trust sector. They share not only what’s worked for them, but what hasn’t. There’s no jargon, no theory without context — just honest conversations about real issues facing finance and operations teams in multi-academy trusts.
Next workshop
Spaces are limited to keep sessions focused and personal.
Members only !
Surviving the External Audit
26th September 2025
Why Peer-Led?
The MAT sector is unique.
The decisions you make as a finance or operations leader carry weight — but too often, you’re expected to make them without a trusted sounding board. Our workshops offer a solution to that.
Each session is built around shared experience. You’ll meet others navigating similar challenges, hear their strategies, and explore what works in your specific setting. This format builds trust, deepens learning, and leads to practical takeaways you can apply immediately.
What to Expect
Real Life Scenarios
Workshops focus on current, high-impact topics — from procurement and budgeting to risk management, resource planning, and leadership communication. You’ll work through real-life scenarios, explore practical frameworks, and leave with actionable tools you can use straight away.
You’ll also have time to connect informally with other attendees. Often, the side conversations are just as valuable as the main session.
Designed for Your Role
These workshops are ideal for:
CFOs, COOs, and those aspiring to be.
School business leaders moving into trust-wide roles
Aspiring senior leaders in operational or strategic posts
Anyone who wants to develop commercial confidence in a collaborative, sector-specific environment
Whether you’re looking to build skills, grow your network, or simply feel less alone in your work — these sessions are for you.
Upcoming Workshops
Spaces are limited to keep sessions focused and personal.
How to prepare, survive and thrive during the External Audit
Join CFOs and Finance Manager who have worked as Auditors to discuss how you can set up for success before the audit and how to thrive during this stressful time.
26th September 2025
How do I prepare and navigate through changing our payroll provider
Ever wanted to move payroll provider but are terrified of the operational impact and pitfalls? Speak to others who have lived that journey and survived.
December 2025
Candid conversations – catering. Transparent conversations about how best to manage your outsourced catering provision.
Catering is a fundamentally important service to schools, yet so many schools report they are suffering from poor quality service. Talk with your peers about how they overcome these challenges.
February 2026
Share and inspire – Monthly financial reporting.
Share and compare your financial reporting documentation with others in order to improve and refine the reporting you produce for your board.
April 2026