BESA Community Series: Research Exchange

When

Thursday, 25 September 10:00am - 12:00pm

Where

White Rose Education Offices, 1 Canal Wharf, Leeds LS11 5BB

Price

Member Only Event | Free for Members

A regional, members-only breakfast event for BESA Special Interest Groups to explore new research and connect with peers.

Join us for the BESA Community Series: Research Exchange, a regional breakfast event designed specifically for BESA special interest groups and members with a focus on evidence-based practice and educational impact. Hosted at the White Rose Education offices in Leeds, this free, members-only gathering will provide a welcoming, informal environment to explore the latest research and hear from a MAT leader panel, share insights, and discuss practical applications within your area of interest.

This event also serves as a regional networking opportunity for BESA’s Special Interest Groups, offering space for informal discussion, peer learning, and community-building among members working on similar challenges. Whether you’re looking to collaborate, gain new perspectives, or expand your network, this session offers valuable time to connect with like-minded professionals in your region.

Spaces are limited—reserve your spot now to be part of this insightful and collaborative morning.

Agenda Highlights

MAT Research Presentation

Peter Doyle, Policy Manager, BESA
BESA’s Policy Advisor, Peter Doyle, will give a primer on the insight from our recent MAT research, including the national curriculum, assessment, and accountability within schools – alongside emerging trends, such as the rise of the Multi-Academy Trusts.

Panel Discussion with MAT and School Leaders

Michael Gosling, CEO and Accounting Officer, Trinity MAT

Dom Mckeon, Principal – National Leader of Education (NLE), Little Lever High School

Chaired by: Peter Doyle, Policy Manager, BESA

Hear from regional MAT leaders on the pressures MAT’s are facing and how they are tackling those challenges. There will be a Q&A period after the panel and networking post event to further engage with leaders.

Speakers

Michael Gosling, CEO and Accounting Officer, Trinity MAT

Michael is the CEO and Accounting Officer of Trinity MAT (and therefore also a member of the Audit Committee), having been its founding Principal in 2009. His tenure as Principal saw two outstanding Ofsted judgements and Trinity’s designations as a National Support School, a National Teaching School and a Maths Hub of Excellence. Michael achieved National Leader of Education (NLE) status in 2013.

Peter Doyle, Policy Manager, BESA

Peter represents the interests of BESA members to parliamentarians and officials across Government departments, working on various policy issues across the association. His passion for the education sector developed while working for a BESA member, where he contributed to the development and implementation of EdTech products and curricula for the Primary Sector. In addition to his professional work, Peter volunteers as a Governor at a federation of local primary schools in East London.

Timings

10:00am
Registration and refreshments

10:10am
Welcome from BESA & White Rose Education

10:13am
White Rose Education’s Introduction

10:18am
MAT Research Presentation

10:35am
Panel Discussion

11:10am
Audience Q&A

11:30am
Networking & Informal Conversations

Venue

White Rose Education Offices, 1 Canal Wharf, Leeds LS11 5BB

To ask any questions, please email eventsteam@besa.org.uk.

We look forward to having you join us for an enlightening and enriching experience!

About BESA.