Unveiling a New Era: SHINE Academies' Inspiring First Trust Day Celebration

Today SHINE Academies was delighted to hold its inaugural Trust Day. This event aimed to strengthen collaboration, unite the community, and highlight shared values among attendees, which included staff members, local authority representatives, union officials, and community partners.

The Trust Day provided a platform to unveil the Trust’s new values: Collaborative, Courageous, and Compassionate. These values are vital in creating an environment that supports both staff and pupils and paves the way for growth and development.

Setting the Stage for Collaboration

Chair of Trustees Gary Gentle

SHINE's Trust Day commenced with engaging opening remarks from the Trust's CEO Gemma Draycott and Chair of Trustees Gary Gentle. Attendees were welcomed warmly, and there was a sense of excitement about the chance to connect as a community.

Inspiring Keynotes

The keynote sessions featured esteemed speakers Mark Finnis, Expert in Restorative Practice and the dynamic duo, Andy and Matt Smith from Smashlife. Both offered valuable insights that resonated deeply with the audience and emphasized community growth.

Mark Finnis focused on the transformative power of collaboration. He encouraged attendees to embrace vulnerability, suggesting that being open with one another can lead to stronger relationships.

Andy and Matt Smith shared personal stories of overcoming challenges. Their experiences painted a vivid picture of how courage can drive positive change and inspire action in everyday life.

Dedication to Staff Wellbeing

At the event, the SHINE Head of People Katie Turner launched a new employee benefits platform Vivup to staff, and introduced a staff survey. Forming part of the Trust's People Strategy to be launched later in the year, these initiatives have been introduced to enhance staff wellbeing and gather valuable feedback to improve the experience of working in the Trust for all staff.

Celebrating Shared Values

At the core of Trust Day was the introduction of the new core values: Collaborative, Courageous, and Compassionate. Each value was showcased with relatable stories and practical applications.

• Collaborative: Underscoring the significance of teamwork and shared practice across the Trust, not only among staff but also extending to pupils and families. Building strong relationships fosters a supportive atmosphere conducive to learning.

  
  

• Courageous: This principle encouraged individuals to step out of their comfort zones and embrace innovation. It championed the idea that facing challenges and failures openly can lead to personal and collective growth.

  
  

• Compassionate: Emphasizing empathy, and the understanding of others.

  
  

A Bright Future Ahead

SHINE Academies’ first Trust Day marked a significant milestone in fostering a culture built on shared values and a spirit of collaboration. The positive energy engaging speeches, and interactive nature of the day laid a solid foundation for a community prepared to support one another in making school a safe, welcoming and positive environment for pupils.

As attendees departed with renewed enthusiasm and clearer visions, it became evident that Trust Day was not merely a one-time event but the start of an ongoing journey.