Creating Value in Schools | Sustainability | People, planet and resources

Liz Worthen

How can we make schools more sustainable – in all senses of the word? How can school leaders promote a sustainable way of working? Make best use of our resources, in a way that’s good for people and planet? In conversation with educators, we exchange insights and ideas. Hosted by Liz Worthen, an educator, researcher and writer, whose career in education spans teaching, training and  content development. For more from the Creating Value in Schools community, visit www.createvalueschools.com

  1. Jul 28

    Unbound SBLs: What do we mean by value in schools?

    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. The conversation opens with a listener challenge: an SBL facing a leadership decision that carries real financial risk, while the rest of the room seems ready to nod it through. Should they speak up or go along with the consensus? Helen and Emma talk through impact assessments, risk registers, and the courage to be the lone dissenting voice – borrowing from Edward de Bono's six thinking hats along the way. From there, the discussion turns to what value actually looks like in practice: reducing friction in everyday systems, managing supplier contracts as relationships rather than transactions, and making the most of staffing budgets. Key talking points:  Cutting friction – why removing small barriers and duplication has a snowball effect on team performance. Data gathering – a starting point for curiosity, identifying issues, planning and prioritising.  The DfE's maximising value in schools guidance – collective buying agreements, the teacher vacancy service and financial benchmarking tool.  Staff absence – how return-to-work conversations, line manager training and small culture shifts (like speaking to a person rather than an answerphone) can reduce costs. Time management – how to prioritise strategic work when the diary is dominated by day-to-day firefighting and practical tools for getting things done.  Where to start in a new SBL role – talking to staff at every level, gathering procurement and contract data, and mapping priorities against the school development plan. Emma Gray and Helen Burge have both been executive business leaders in trusts, and now support school business professionals through coaching, training and consultancy. Emma is a DfE accredited school resource management advisor, and Helen co-chairs the UK Schools Sustainability Network Operations Group. They are fans of risk management, internal scrutiny and operational excellence.  Liz Worthen’s career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development. Creating Value in Schools is all about sustainable working: taking care of people, planet and resources to secure better outcomes for children and communities. Previous Unbound SBL episodes: Episode 27: Unbound SBLs: Reconsidering Risk Episode 21: Unbound SBLs: sector support and striving for excellence Episode 15: From food waste to future-proofing: the SBL year in review Links and resources: Sign up for the Creating Value in Schools newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i2429o Edward de Bono’s six thinking hats: https://www.debonogroup.com/services/core-programs/six-thinking-hats/ What is operational excellence? https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/what-is-operational-excellence-and-why-does-it-matter DfE maximising value for pupils guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/maximising-value-for-pupils-guidance-for-schools-and-trusts More on maximising value: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/maximising-value-resources-for-schools Get help buying for schools: https://get-help-buying-for-schools.education.gov.uk/ Eisenhower Matrix: https://www.eisenhower.me/eisenhower-matrix/ Find recommended reads in the Creating Value in Schools bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/createvalueschools Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Episode Setup 01:10 Listener Risk Dilemma 01:48 Tools for Dissent 05:36 Defining Value 07:18 Removing Friction 08:40 Contracts and Procurement 10:08 DfE Value Guidance 11:17 Staff Absence Value 17:22 Benchmarking Debate 20:01 Listener Time Crunch 24:16 Strategic Time Habits 27:56 Frogs Elephants Chocolate 29:09 New SBL First Steps 31:29 Inspiration and Wellbeing 33:37 Final Thanks and Wrap   #Schools #SchoolBusinessLeadership

  2. Jul 14

    What’s got you through this year? Reflections, survival and celebrations

    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?  Emma Gray recommends stepping into corridors, classrooms and playgrounds to reconnect with the energy and impact of young people Viv Grant shares how painting trees and leaning into nature during cancer treatment reshaped her perspective on wise leadership and surviving storms Paul K Ainsworth speaks to the “perma-crisis,” stressing that recovery is a process and urging leaders to rebuild reservoirs of hope by reaching out for support Carl Smith emphasises connection, integrity, self-forgiveness and hope. “What else can I do, but my best in this situation?”  Liz closes with Tees Valley Education’s ‘counting the flowers’ practice – regularly naming green shoots and wins – plus an invitation to rest and refresh.  Liz Worthen is an educator, researcher, podcaster and writer. Her career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development, creating resources which enable leaders to flourish in their roles. Creating Value in Schools is about exploring sustainable working in education, to secure better outcomes for learners and communities.  Featured episodes and resources Unbound SBLs: sector support and striving for excellence with Emma Gray and Helen Burge Viv Grant on Creativity, Courage and Inner Wisdom Crisis recovery in schools: ‘it will get better’ With Paul K Ainsworth Enjoy what you do: hope, joy and staying power with Josephine Smith and Carl Smith  Find recommended reads in the Creating Value in Schools bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/createvalueschools Join the Creating Value in Schools community: https://createvalueschools.com/subscribe/ 00:00 Year-End Reflection 01:06 Sustained By Students 03:09 Nature And Resilience 05:28 Recovering From Crisis 07:13 Reaching Out For Support 10:25 Practising Hope 11:28 Celebrate And Rest   #Schools #Education #StaffWellbeing

  3. Jun 30

    Think Like an Entrepreneur: Creative Solutions for School Leaders | Sufian Sadiq

    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.  Sufian shares how his background in business studies and entrepreneurship shapes a talent strategy that has recruited 350 teachers without paid adverts, driven by social media, local presence and long-term relationship-building. He explains targeting local demographics, using platforms like Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok, and partnering with local influencers to boost ITT recruitment and improve diversity and retention through local hires.  Sufian argues that schools should treat job applicants, trainees, pupils, parents and staff as customers by curating consistent, high-quality experiences – from reception interactions to the classroom, CPD events and open evenings – so schools become valued community hubs. “Every interaction with us has to be an interaction that feels like a positive interaction. It needs to be consistent, it needs to be carefully curated, and it needs to make sure it meets the needs of our customers to exactly the level that we need it to be at.” “As soon as you start doing that, you start creating schools that are real hubs in communities, and you create a sense of belonging for everyone, because you've thought about what it means for them to belong.”  Sufian Sadiq is Chief Talent & Transformation Officer at Chiltern Learning Trust, and Co-President Elect of the Chartered College of Teaching. Responsible for the Chiltern Teaching School, Sufian brings an innovative approach to trainee and staff recruitment, as well as the delivery of high-quality CPD. He hosts the Muslim Teachers' Association podcast, ‘An audience with’.  Liz Worthen is an educator, researcher, podcaster and writer. Her career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development, creating resources which enable leaders to flourish in their roles. Creating Value in Schools is about the exploration of sustainable working in education, to secure better outcomes for learners and communities. #Schools #Education #SchoolBusinessLeadership 00:00 Welcome and theme 00:28 Sufian’s entrepreneurial roots 02:46 Recruiting without adverts 05:44 Social media talent pipeline 10:11 Localised recruitment strategy 14:28 Community pride and retention 16:42 Harrods level customer care 25:25 Curating the open evening experience 30:44 Entrepreneurial thinking for all 33:07 Know your stakeholders 35:20 Final thanks and wrap up

  4. Jun 16

    From Behaviour to Burnout: Why Relationships Matter 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.  Listen to consider: How does a relational approach to behaviour make for calmness and consistency? Can the same approach work with adults? What makes for positive relationships with parents? How does strong leadership support link to staff retention? Why do relationships matter when you’re seeking external support? Why are relationships vital to our wellbeing? “Relationships are key; we are human beings. We are connected to other individuals in every sense. We are not here to live alone.” (Nicola Harvey, wellbeing consultant.) Liz Worthen is an educator, researcher, podcaster and writer. Her career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development, creating resources which enable leaders to flourish in their roles. Creating Value in Schools is about the exploration of sustainable working in education, to secure better outcomes for learners and communities. Featured episodes and resources Episode 28: Getting curious about behaviour: a relational approach, with Dee Higgins Episode 31: Win-Win: Fundraising relationships for lasting impact, with Justin Smith, Vicki Newsome, Richard Manville and Matthew Smith MBE Episode 14: Avoiding and addressing staff burnout in schools, with Nicola Harvey More about Nicola’s mindfulness work: https://www.harveyheals.com/meetnicola Behaviour strategies from Dee: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/five-things-every-member-of-staff-can-do-to-support-pupil-behaviour/ Parent partnerships: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/building-positive-parent-partnerships/ Positive behaviour approach: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/how-to-maintain-a-positive-behaviour-culture/ NFER retention report: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/why-leadership-matters-staff-retention/ The PERMA model: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/the-perma-wellbeing-framework Fundraising tips: https://createvalueschools.com/need-to-know/five-steps-to-effective-school-fundraising/ Join the Creating Value in Schools community: https://createvalueschools.com/subscribe/ 00:00 Why relationships matter 01:17 Relational behaviour support 03:09 Consistency and scripting 03:25 Multi-agency common ground 04:43 Parents and the school gate 05:18 Staff support and retention 06:02 Fundraising through relationships 06:50 Motivation and saying thanks 08:12 Community volunteering win win 09:03 PERMA and human connection 09:55 Final takeaways and goodbye   #Schools #Education #Leadership #Behaviour Music copyright code: DT1NN2J7TQUOGQZT

  5. Jun 2

    Viv Grant on Creativity, Courage and Inner Wisdom

    “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.  Viv shares with host Liz Worthen how in this crisis she picked up a brush, began to paint – and couldn’t stop. By ‘Learning to Walk in the Dark’ (the title of her book), Viv discovered the power of the five Cs: curiosity, commitment, courage, compassion and connection.  Through their conversation, find out more about the relevance of trees and fire to Viv’s recovery, connecting with your inner wisdom, the impact of race on health, and how Viv is bringing her learning to her work with school leaders. Viv Grant is Director and Founder of Integrity Coaching, helping headteachers and MAT leaders to navigate pressure, burnout and isolation. Her book ‘Learning to Walk in the Dark’ invites readers on a personal journey through adversity, inspired by Viv’s own experience in overcoming cancer.  Liz Worthen’s career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development. Creating Value in Schools is all about sustainable working: taking care of people, planet and resources to secure better outcomes for children and communities. Tree of Life by Viv Grant Resources ‘Learning to Walk in the Dark’ by Viv Grant: https://www.integritycoaching.co.uk/learning-to-walk-in-the-dark/ Listen to John O’Donohue read his poem, ‘A Blessing for a Friend on the Arrival of Illness’, https://www.johnodonohue.com/jod-media The work of Joy DeGruy on post traumatic slave syndrome: https://www.joydegruy.com/post-traumatic-slave-syndrome Find other recommended reads in the Creating Value in Schools bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/createvalueschools Find out more about Integrity Coaching: https://www.integritycoaching.co.uk/ Coaching circles for headteachers: https://www.integritycoaching.co.uk/programmes/learning-to-walk-in-the-dark-headteacher-coaching-circles/ Leading with Depth – The Quiet Question That Changes Everything: https://www.integritycoaching.co.uk/blog/overcoming-blocks-next-level-leadership/    Leadership lessons from crisis: https://createvalueschools.com/blog/take-time-and-things-will-get-better-leadership-lessons/ Chapters 00:00 Personal Sustainability Intro 01:20 Cancer Diagnosis Shock 03:36 Discovering Painting Therapy 07:44 Soul Wisdom In Crisis 11:18 Nature Lessons And Leadership 13:10 Race Health Inequalities 16:19 Fire Symbolism And Rebirth 18:08 The Five Cs Framework 22:00 Creativity With Headteachers 25:56 Changing Education Culture 28:07 Publishing The Book Yourself 30:26 Books That Inspire Connection 33:04 Closing Thanks And Next Steps

  6. May 19

    Who Gets to Belong in Schools? With Hannah Wilson

    Host Liz Worthen speaks with leadership development and DEIB champion Hannah Wilson about the ‘B' in DEIB: belonging. What do we really mean when we talk about belonging? Are we ready to ask the curious and tough questions about who feels a sense of belonging, who doesn’t, and why? We talk about: Belonging as an outcome of committing to diversity, equity and inclusion (D+E+I=B). Starting with the adults – do all our staff feel like they belong? Why you can’t talk about belonging without talking about race. Digging into the data and asking the difficult questions. Ofsted – is inclusion something you can measure? The positive power of grass roots organisations. ‘There’s often an assumption that people have a greater sense of safety, inclusion and belonging than they actually do. And when you begin to scratch the surface and dig into it, it can be quite confronting.’ Hannah Wilson is a leadership development consultant, DEIB strategist and facilitator, a coach and trainer. She’s director of Belonging Effect and co-founder of #DiverseEd and #WomenEd. Hannah’s latest book is A Little Guide for Teachers: Cultivating Belonging in Schools. Liz Worthen’s career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development. Creating Value in Schools is all about sustainable working: taking care of people, planet and resources to secure better outcomes for children and communities. Check out recommended reads in the Creating Value in Schools bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/createvalueschools Join the Creating Value in Schools community: https://createvalueschools.com/subscribe/ Belonging Effect (formerly Diverse Educators): https://www.thebelongingeffect.co.uk/ Mission 44 Diversity in Teaching project: https://mission44.org/diversity-in-education-fund/ WomenEd: Women Leaders in Education https://womened.com/ BAMEed: Black, Asian and minority ethnic educators https://www.bameednetwork.com/ More on implementing DEIB strategies in school: https://createvalueschools.com/blog/listening-to-the-community-diversity-and-inclusion-strategies-for-lasting-impact/ More on the impact of protected characteristics on staff mental health: https://createvalueschools.com/blog/avoiding-and-addressing-staff-burnout/ 00:00 Welcome and guest 00:41 Why write a book about belonging 01:55 What does belonging mean? 04:26 Consent and curiosity 05:40 Start with the adults 08.52 Three C’s: consciousness, confidence, competence 09:45 Support staff matter 13:12 Parents, power and fear 16:00 We need to talk about race 20:04 Ofsted and inclusion 23:05 Digging into the data 25:49 Intersectionality explained 28:23 Hopeful signs and resources 31:07 Reading picks and wrap   #Schools #DEIB #Inclusion #Belonging

  7. May 5

    Win-Win: Fundraising relationships for lasting impact

    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.  Listen for practical insights into: The benefits of community engagement Why income generators need flexibility and resilience Getting your support and evidence clear from the start Putting together beneficiary-shaped projects The importance of donor motivation and internal buy-in Stakeholder and skill mapping Small quick wins to get started and the power of regular donations Using AI as a time-saving tool (NOT to write your bids) The vital role of thank you. “I just remember what it will do to those children and to those families to support them. If it can keep children and families together then we've more than exceeded.” “Canva is my friend in school. It’s my lifeline!” With 20 years’ experience in the education sector, Justin Smith provides specialist marketing, income generation and bid writing services through his company, Chameleon Consultancy and Training. He has secured over £7 million in additional income for schools. Vicki Newsome is School Business Manager at Burscough Village Primary School and Nursery in Lancashire. Vicki has generated over £300,000 additional income over the last two years, for a new nursery building and community sports zone, as well as securing funding for a counsellor to work across the local schools.  A seasoned fundraiser and community champion, Matthew Smith MBE is School Business Manager at Sheringham Woodfields School in Norfolk, for pupils with complex learning and health needs. The school’s specialised therapy centre is one of his most recent fundraising achievements. Richard Manville is Co-founder and Managing Director of Community Inspired, a social enterprise dedicated to communities, fundraising and volunteering. Through FundEd Richard helps schools access grants, run successful events, build recurring income and develop partnerships. Host Liz Worthen’s career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development. Creating Value in Schools is all about sustainable working: taking care of people, planet and resources to secure better outcomes for children and communities. Links and resources Join the Creating Value in Schools community: https://createvalueschools.com/subscribe/ Download 10 fundraising tips: https://createvalueschools.com/media/112-How-to-get-people-on-board-with-fundraising.pdf Matthew Smith’s decision-making evidence and support grid: https://createvalueschools.com/media/233-Evidence-and-support-decision-making-grid.pdf Support and resources from Justin Smith: https://chameleon-training.co.uk/ FundEd and PTA+ websites: https://www.funded.org.uk/ and https://www.pta.co.uk/ Funding Wall, a digital fundraising platform: https://www.fundingwall.org.uk/ Example press release for the Community Unity Through Sports Project: https://burscough.lancsngfl.ac.uk/news/2025-10-13-burscough-village-primary-school-unveils-community-unity-through-sports-initiative Example of a video created using Canva to launch Phase 1 of the project: https://www.facebook.com/reel/4129028770716385?locale=en_GB About Sheringham Woodfields Therapeutic Centre: https://hudsonarchitects.co.uk/our-work/community-culture-education/schools/sheringham-woodfields-school/ About Woodfields Den Charity Shop: https://experiencesheringham.com/places/woodfields-den-charity-shop/ Host your own colour run: https://www.eventcolour.co.uk/ ISBL Professional Standards: https://www.isbl.org.uk/isbl-professional-standards More from Justin: https://createvalueschools.com/blog/optimism-and-opportunity-creating-an-income-generation-culture/ Who’s responsible for income generation in school? https://createvalueschools.com/blog/beyond-the-budget-why-income-generation-is-everyones-responsibility/ Chapters 00:00 Welcome and guests 01:28 Why community fundraising 06:55 Stakeholder mapping 08:23 Project pivot for community focus 12:15 Beneficiary-shaped projects for grant success 13.33 Prioritise for support and evidence 14:14 Practical engagement tactics 16.54 Linking up your team 18:39 Donor motivation and thanks 22.02 Put yourself out there and ask 25:35 Time and culture barriers 32:14 Mission driven impact story 35:23 Rapid fire top tips 40:50 Wrap up and resources #SustainableSchools #IncomeGeneration #SchoolBusinessLeadership #SchoolFundraising

  8. Apr 21

    Why playtime matters – and how to make it work

    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 talks to Positive Playtime champion Thérèse Hoyle – coach, author and founder of the Positive Playtime Award Programme – about why play is so vital for children's wellbeing, learning and resilience, and how schools can make it work in practice. We address common barriers to play in schools, including: How to navigate concerns about risky play, bring parents on board, and build a culture where children learn to assess risk themselves How to upskill and deploy lunchtime supervisors more effectively How to make equipment last longer and keep children more engaged How to make creative use of limited playground space with a zoning approach. Struggling with playground behaviour, staff deployment at lunchtime, or getting the most from a limited budget? Listen for straightforward, actionable ideas. Thérèse Hoyle is Director and Founder of Positive Playtimes and the Positive Playtime Award programme. An experienced coach and teacher, she regularly consults and advises schools on play, behaviour management, mental health, and the social and emotional needs of children and teens. Liz Worthen’s career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development. Creating Value in Schools is all about sustainable working: taking care of people, planet and resources to secure better outcomes for children and communities. Check out recommended reads in the Creating Value in Schools bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/createvalueschools Join the Creating Value in Schools community: https://createvalueschools.com/subscribe/ Thérèse’s books: https://positive-playtimes.com/product-category/books/ Read about why play matters: https://positive-playtimes.com/why-play-matters-the-hidden-cost-of-screens-and-a-play-poor-childhood/ Staff deployment examples: https://positive-playtimes.com/are-you-using-your-staffing-effectively-in-your-playground/ Access the why play matters report: https://positive-playtimes.com/why-play-matters/ Download the Raising the Nation Play Commission report: https://www.centreforyounglives.org.uk/play-commission Mental Health Foundation statistics: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/statistics/children-young-people-statistics Information from Play England: https://www.playengland.org.uk/ Access 10 playground games: https://positive-playtimes.com/free-playground-games/   00:00 Welcome and guest 00:57 Playtime crisis today 02:35 Why play gets squeezed 04:31 Screens and equity 07:28 When play works 09:58 Mud sticks and rules 12:20 Risky play fears 16:29 Staffing and training 23:16 Equipment craze cycle 28:26 Zoning concrete playgrounds 33:58 Books and final thoughts #education #sustainableschools #childhood

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How can we make schools more sustainable – in all senses of the word? How can school leaders promote a sustainable way of working? Make best use of our resources, in a way that’s good for people and planet? In conversation with educators, we exchange insights and ideas. Hosted by Liz Worthen, an educator, researcher and writer, whose career in education spans teaching, training and  content development. For more from the Creating Value in Schools community, visit www.createvalueschools.com

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