On 23 October 2025, we welcomed 76 Governance professionals from trusts across the country to The Grand Hotel, Birmingham for our annual MAT Governance Professionals Conference. It was a day packed with insight, future-thinking and honest conversation about the evolving role of governance and the vital part governance professionals play in shaping strong, forward-looking trust systems.
Setting the scene
We opened the day with a warm welcome from Chris Kenyon, CEO at The Key Group, who reflected on the progress and professionalism of the governance community, and on the growing recognition of governance as a strategic driver, not a supporting function.
Board effectiveness & the future of GovernorHub
Our first session came from Ellie Cheshire, General Manager at GovernorHub, who shared:
What we’ve learned from 17,000+ people using the new Board Effectiveness tool
How boards are benchmarking themselves against effective practice
What our AI assistant is teaching us about the needs of governance teams
Exciting developments coming in the year ahead
Ellie’s session emphasised the importance of reflective, evidence-informed governance and the power of tools that help boards continually strengthen impact.
Looking ahead to 2035
We then heard from Joe Blair, Director of Innovation at Robin, who explored what MATs could look like in 2035 - from the role of technology to shifting expectations of communities, teachers and leaders.
Joe challenged the room to imagine a trust system built for innovation, collaboration and long-term sustainability, and highlighted the critical role of governance in shaping culturally confident, future-ready organisations.
Elevating the governance professional role
After the break, we welcomed Emma Perkin (Director) and Lizzie Oliver (Director of Policy & Programmes) from Trust Governance Professionals. Their session focused on the voice, identity and development of governance professionals, including:
Career pathways within the governance profession
How to articulate and advocate for your role and value
Navigating change with confidence
The realities and priorities of governance teams in Autumn term 1
Attendees shared their thoughts and opinions, reminding us that governance professionals are agents and catalysts for change - not just facilitators of compliance.
The Trinity of Trust - panel discussion
After lunch, Chris Kenyon chaired a panel conversation with colleagues from Kingfisher Schools Trust:
Craig Morrison, CEO
Lisa Taylor, Lead Governance Professional
Neil Collins, Chair of Trustees
Together, they explored “The Trinity of Trust” - how CEO, governance professional and chair work in true partnership to build a trust culture rooted in shared purpose, aligned strategy and transparent challenge.
This session brought the themes of the day to life, showing what great governance looks like in practice and how relationships make all the difference.
Closing reflections
We wrapped up with closing remarks from Chris Kenyon, who thanked delegates for their continued commitment and leadership and celebrated the rising profile of governance across the sector.
Thank you
To everyone who joined us, thank you. Your energy, curiosity and collaboration made the day what it was. If you couldn’t make it this time, keep an eye out - future event dates will be shared soon. Until then, thank you for everything you do to strengthen governance and support our schools, trusts and young people.