ISBL Symposium Events - expanding and growing to better support our members

Specialist Symposium - Sustainability

Leading the way in sustainable School Leadership

Date: 30 September 2025

Time: 09:00 – 17:00

Location: Leicester

Topics that will be covered:

Why Attend?

The ISBL Specialist Symposium is your opportunity to take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future for your school. This one-day event brings together school business professionals, sustainability experts, and education leaders to explore practical strategies, share success stories, and build confidence in climate leadership.

Whether you're just beginning your sustainability journey or looking to deepen your impact, this symposium will equip you with the tools, insights, and inspiration to lead with purpose.

Plus: Hear real-life case studies showing how schools are maximising the potential of their staff.

Join us at our inaugural Sustainability Specialist Symposium, a practitioner-led event designed to equip school leaders overseeing their HR strategy and their HR professionals with actionable solutions, strategic insights, and expert-led discussions.

This is your opportunity to understand the latest government strategies, identify potential risk mitigations, and optimise your school’s Sustainability planning.

All sessions will be underpinned by the ISBL Professional Standards and practice-led case studies, so you can learn from other good practice happening across the sector.

Tickets are available for purchase through our website. Members can buy tickets for £200 plus VAT, while non-members can purchase them for £240 plus VAT.  

Your ticket includes access to workshops led by practitioners and specialists, networking opportunities with colleagues and our event sponsor, refreshment breaks, and lunch. 

Event Highlights

  • Welcome & Opening Remarks
    Helen Burge sets the tone for a day of learning, collaboration, and action.

  • Sponsored Keynote Sessions
    Hear from leading voices in sustainability and education.

  • Understanding & Measuring Sustainability
    Paul Edmond guides you through assessing your school’s sustainability needs and setting achievable goals.

  • Greener Schools Index – Zenergi
    Discover how your school compares and where you can make the biggest difference.

  • ISBL Sustainability Standards & OPEX
    Helen Burge explores how sustainability aligns with operational excellence.

  • Case Study: Sustainability Leadership in Action
    Hear from speakers with real-world success story of embedding sustainability into school culture.

  • Let’s Go Zero: Whole School Approach
    Learn how schools are transforming their practices with support from the Let’s Go Zero initiative.

  • Practical Opportunities for Change
    Explore DfE-backed solutions in energy procurement, waste water management, and energy audits.

  • Interactive Q&A: What Can Your School Be Doing?
    Engage with experts and peers to find answers and spark ideas.

  • Reflection & Action Planning
    Leave with a clear Climate Action Plan, a priority matrix, and a list of quick wins tailored to your school.

Who Should Attend?

  • School Business Leaders

  • Headteachers and Senior Leadership Teams

  • Sustainability Coordinators

  • Facilities and Operations Managers

  • Anyone passionate about making schools greener and more future-ready

What Past Attendees Say