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

  • ISBL Symposium Events

    ISBL is excited to announce the launch of our symposium events in 2025. These specialist events will focus exclusively on one discipline that is aligned with our professional standards for an entire day. This focused approach will give our members and non-members significant benefits and valuable takeaways.

Specialist Symposium - Sustainability

Leading the way in sustainable School Leadership

Date: 30 September 2025

Time: 09:00 – 17:00

Location: Millennium Point, Birmingham

Why Attend?

The DfE’s 2025 Climate Action Plan deadline is fast approaching. Are you ready to lead your school or trust towards a sustainable future

The Sustainability 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.

With the Department for Education’s 2025 Climate Action Plan deadline on the horizon, school business professionals are uniquely positioned to lead the charge toward a more sustainable education sector. The ISBL Sustainability Specialist Symposium is your opportunity to gain the tools, insights, and connections needed to drive meaningful change. 

This CPD-accredited event will empower you to: 

  • ✅ Develop and Build Climate Action Plan – Receive expert guidance and leave with a working draft tailored to your school or trust. 

  • 📊 Master the Greener Schools Index – Learn how to benchmark, track, and measure your sustainability efforts. 

  • 🎓 Achieve CPD Accreditation – Enhance your professional standing and leadership credentials. 

  • 📘 Align with ISBL Sustainability Standards – Integrate sustainability into your operational strategy with confidence. 

  • ⚙️ Link Sustainability to Operational Excellence – Discover how reducing waste and improving efficiency supports long-term resilience. 

  • 🤝 Network with Peers and Experts – Connect with like-minded professionals and learn from sector leaders 

Tickets are available for purchase through our website. Members can buy tickets for £150 plus VAT, while non-members can purchase them for £200 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.

  • 🕗 08:30 – 09:00

    Welcome & Networking
    Start the day connecting with peers over refreshments.

    🎤 09:00 – 09:15

    Opening Remarks
    Helen Burge, Consultant School Business Leader, Buoyant
    Setting the scene for a day focused on climate leadership in schools.

    🌱 09:15 – 09:45

    Why Sustainability Matters
    Paul Edmond, Chief Finance and Sustainability Officer, Heart Academies Trust
    Explore why schools must act now.

    🏫 09:45 – 10:30

    Embedding a Whole School Approach
    Alex Green, Head of Let’s Go Zero
    Strategies to align sustainability with your school’s mission.

    ☕ 10:30 – 11:00

    Refreshments & Networking

    🛠️ 11:00 – 12:00

    Climate Action Planning Workshop
    Facilitated by:

    • Helen Burge, Buoyant

    • Paul Edmond, Heart Academies Trust

    • Julie Rowlinson, St Bart’s Multi Academy Trust

    • Zenergi
      Hands-on session to help you identify your school's priorities.

    🍽️ 12:00 – 12:45

    Lunch & Sponsor Clinic
    Continue the conversation with experts and sponsors.

    🧠 12:45 – 13:30

    Developing Leadership & Culture
    Julie Rowlinson, Sustainability Officer, St Bart’s Multi Academy Trust
    Build a sustainable ethos across your school community.

    🧑‍🏫 13:30 – 14:30

    Panel Session – Question Time
    Your opportunity to engage directly with our experts.

    ☕ 14:30 – 15:00

    Refreshments & Networking

    🎓 15:00 – 15:30

    Upskilling Your People
    Helen Burge, Buoyant
    Introduction to ISBL Sustainability Standards and OPEX tools.

    🛡️ 15:30 – 16:00

    Governance & Climate Risk
    Paul Edmond, Heart Academies Trust
    Explore how to govern effectively and mitigate climate risks.

    🎬 16:00 – 16:30

    Closing Comments
    Reflections and next steps

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