Elevare Civic Education Group held its first Leadership Conference yesterday, bringing together over 180 colleagues from its college, schools and charitable foundation.
The event marked the launch of the Group’s new AWESOME Leadership behaviour and values framework, which celebrates the people, culture and shared history that have helped co-create the organisation.
The conference provided leaders from across the Group with an opportunity to reflect on what makes leadership truly effective - exploring the new framework as a guide for values-driven, authentic leadership that will shape and sustain the organisation for the future.
Two panel sessions featured senior leaders – including Deputy CEOs John Hunt (Elevare), Asfa Sohail (LSEC), and Neil Miller (LSEAT) – who shared their own leadership journeys, reflecting on people and experiences that have shaped their careers.
Both panels explored what AWESOME leadership means in practice, highlighting the importance of strong values, a child-centred approach, reflective practice and prioritising wellbeing for both staff and leaders.
Delegates also took part in interactive activities to explore individual leadership styles and collective responsibility, focusing on how leaders at every level can embed the framework in their day-to-day practice and help future-proof the organisation.
The conference, which is now set to be an annual event, was opened and closed with reflections from Dr Sam Parrett CBE, Group Principal and CEO, who shared stories about her own journey and experiences that have shaped her approach. She said:
“Leadership begins and ends with learning. For me, it has always been shaped by the people who have inspired and challenged me, and by the experiences that have stretched my thinking and belief in what’s possible.
“Awesome leadership is about staying curious and embracing change. It is about leading with integrity, courage and stewardship. I am a huge advocate for lifelong learning and ensuring we continue to reflect on our own practice. By supporting one another in this way, we create a culture where people feel valued and empowered – and this is when we can all perform at our best, truly transforming lives through the power of learning.”
Over the past 15 years, the Elevare Civic Education Group has grown from 300 to more than 3,000 staff. Its expanding network of schools and new charitable foundation are increasing its civic and social impact, establishing its role as an anchor institution in all its communities.
Going forward, the AWESOME leadership framework will now be embedded across the Group’s leadership practice to guide this culture and ensure sustainable, values-led growth.
This will include The Awesome Effect Podcast, launching later this term, which will showcase inspiring leadership stories from across the Group.
For more information about the new AWESOME Leadership Framework, click here and download the strategy