Creating Value In Schools
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How can we make schools more sustainable – in all senses of the word? How can school business and senior leaders promote a sustainable way of working? Make best use of our resources, in a way that’s good for people and the planet? With fortnightly episodes, the Creating Value in School podcast is all about exploring these questions. Find out how guests are contributing to making education settings more sustainable, for the benefit of learners, families and the community. Take away ideas and actions to put into practice in your own work or setting. |
The podcast is hosted and produced by Liz Worthen.
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What can schools do when pupil numbers are falling? We explore how to anticipate the risks, create experiences that attract families, and find new opportunities in changing circumstances.
Milli Cowling talks about the shift from diary management and meetings to influence and impact, and the quiet leadership behind the role – from protecting leaders’ time and capacity to spotting patterns, solving problems and helping shape school culture.
Host Liz Worthen welcomes Nickii Messer to discuss imposter syndrome, how it shows up in school roles, and practical ways to challenge the ‘confidence gremlins’.
Liz is joined by Unbound SBLs Emma Gray and Helen Burge to unpack what ‘value’ really means for school business leaders – and how to create more of it, even when time and money are tight.
In this reflective episode at the end of the school year, host Liz Worthen draws on the experiences of podcast guests to wonder: what’s got you through? What, or who, has sustained you? What storms have you survived? What do you want to celebrate?
Liz Worthen interviews Sufian Sadiq, Chief Talent and Transformation Officer at Chiltern Learning Trust, about using innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial thinking to work more sustainably in schools.
Host Liz Worthen explores how investing in relationships can reduce conflict and stress in schools, improve wellbeing for staff and pupils, and build sustainable support beyond the school gates.
“Winter will take you by surprise.” Leadership coach and former headteacher Viv Grant was about to begin her PhD on wholeness when she got the call about her cancer diagnosis.
Host Liz Worthen speaks with leadership development and DEIB champion Hannah Wilson about the ‘B' in DEIB: belonging.
How does community engagement unlock additional funding for schools? In this roundtable episode four sector leaders share lessons learned: Justin Smith, Vicki Newsome, Matthew Smith MBE and Richard Manville.
Playtimes in schools are under pressure. Children are playing 50% less than a generation ago, behaviour is getting harder to manage, and playtime is getting squeezed out.
In this episode, Liz Worthen explores what happens when we listen first – and how it can actually save time and lead to better outcomes in schools.
Host Liz Worthen talks with Dee Higgins, therapeutic thinking lead and former PRU senior leader, about reducing stress for staff in schools and improving pupil behaviour through relational, restorative and reflective practice. Listen for:
Host Liz Worthen gets together with school business leadership champions Helen Burge and Emma Gray to talk about all things risk. Why does risk matter? Whose responsibility is it? Is it a tickbox at the end of your meeting agenda, or something more meaningful?
How do we prepare for the changing world of AI? James Browning, COO at Lift Schools, encourages us to think of artificial intelligence as a collaborator for tackling real world problems, not just tools and fancy tech. We reflect on his organisation’s journey so far, the potential positives of AI, and protecting what matters.
Drawing on her 15 years’ experience as a school sustainability director, Wendy Litherland shares lessons learned in getting staff, pupils, governors and community members engaged in eco-action. How do you sustain impact and bring people together? Wendy talks about:
‘Not only is it unsustainable, but it’s not delivering results.’ We bring together Benedicte Yue’s passion for inclusion with her financial expertise for a deep dive into the world of SEND.
Paul K Ainsworth shares how reading emergency planner Lucy Easthope’s book Come What May: Life-Changing Lessons for Coping with Crisis resonated with his experience of what happens when things go wrong in schools.
What does it mean to work sustainably or build a more sustainable organisation? Is it all about the environment? Drawing on contributions from podcast guests, host Liz Worthen questions what we mean when we talk about sustainability. What are the ingredients for a sustainable organisation and development? What does that look like for schools and education settings?
Host Liz Worthen gets together with school business leadership champions Helen Burge and Emma Gray to find out what they’ve been up to this term.
What enables people to keep calm and carry on in the overwhelming intensity of school life? What helps people keep going, avoid burnout, and stay focused on the things that matter?
How do we tackle the impact of poverty and disadvantage in our schools? Is education alone enough to combat inequality? What does it mean to be furiously curious about the causes of inequality and what can we do about it? Are you ready to be a graceful disruptor?
Host Liz Worthen talks to Edd Moore about his experience of inspiring pupils with eco-projects in schools, integrating learning into the curriculum, and engaging families and communities in the process. Questions addressed include:
Host Liz Worthen chats with award-winning CFO Benedicte Yue about thriving in a tough funding climate. From making smarter financial decisions to empowering your team, harnessing tech, and driving real community impact, Benedicte shares practical strategies and big-picture inspiration for school leaders who want to do more than just survive.
What’s the problem with free school meal funding? Where does your food come from, and where does it end up?
School business leadership champions Emma Gray and Helen Burge join Liz Worthen for SBLs Unbound: a candid conversation on what’s surprised, challenged and inspired in schools this year. From budget stress and staff turnover to sustainability and school meals, they share tips to help SBLs thrive, not just survive.
Education and mental health consultant Nicola Harvey shares practical tools and powerful insights to help schools tackle burnout, boost wellbeing and build inclusive environments.
Education and mental health consultant Nicola Harvey explains the PERMA model. Developed by Martin Seligman, it’s a positive psychology model, and a tool for reflecting on different aspects of our wellness. Useful for both staff and students!
Chair of governors and experienced educator John Viner talks candidly about pressure points and retention challenges, along with creative solutions to attract and keep talent in our schools.
Justin Smith, specialist in marketing and income generation support for schools, shares lessons learned on the path to fundraising and shows why relationships matter.
How do you drive real change in schools through DEI? Aldaine Wynter, Director of International-Mindedness, Diversity and Inclusion, shares his journey, strategies, and the impact of meaningful community engagement.
Do you dread tough conversations? Nickii Messer shares how to reframe them as ‘honest conversations’, build trust, and keep a focus on what matters – the life chances and wellbeing of children in the school.
Give people an experience that they genuinely enjoy, so they want to stick around.
There’s a lot in the air, and a lot on the table.
Caroline Doherty, Head of Public Affairs at Ark, reflects on the challenge of balancing innovation and improvement alongside the daily realities of school life.
Chief Finance and Sustainability Officer Paul Edmond explains why asking questions is essential to a sustainability journey – but ‘can we afford it?’ is now last on his list.
Paul K. Ainsworth shares his strategies for a sustainable, step-by-step, people-centred approach to school improvement.
How do you stay sane in the intensity of school leadership? In the second part of our conversation, Josephine Smith talks about knowing your priorities, knowing yourself and fostering balance.
A flexible, responsive school leader is going to stay so much saner.
