As one of the longest-standing members of the team, he has played a key role in Education Mutual’s growth and success. Jordan brings a wealth of knowledge in helping schools, academies, and multi-academy trusts manage their staff absence protection needs effectively and identify tailored solutions that meet the specific requirements of each setting. 

Jordan is known for his forward-thinking approach to innovation within the education sector, particularly through the complexities of staff absenteeism. His commitment to ensuring budget certainty amid the expansion of academisation has positioned him as a trusted advisor to Education Mutual members seeking to optimise their procurement processes, secure dependable protection, and safeguard their long-term financial stability.

Helen has more than 25 years of experience working in operations and strategic management within the education sector. She holds a master’s degree in Strategic Educational Leadership and is a passionate advocate for sustainability in education. She is a Fellow and Trustee of the Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL) and co-chairs the UK Schools Sustainability Network (UKSSN) Operations Group.

NNoSS member Tarina is an Executive Business Manager at a SEND MAT. Tarina brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for sustainability. Her journey began at university with a degree in Environmental Science, which ignited her commitment to environmental stewardship. Today, she co-leads the Trust’s sustainability initiatives, working tirelessly with a dedicated climate taskforce to drive meaningful change. Tarina has successfully built partnerships with local universities and other national organisations, fostering collaboration and innovation. Balancing her role as a busy Senior Business Leader, she strives to integrate sustainability into the Trust’s broader mission, ensuring that environmental responsibility remains high on the agenda.

As Trust Business Manager at Thrive Education Partnership, Zoe leads the sustainability strategy, embedding environmental responsibility across estates, governance, culture, and new school onboarding. Driving initiatives like the trust’s Climate Action Plan and Sustainability & Climate Change Strategy, Zoe ensures sustainability is central to growth. Alongside this, Zoe oversees key operational functions including governance, compliance, risk, marketing, and trust expansion, aligning sustainable development with operational excellence to support a values-driven, future-focused trust.

Pauline joined Schools North East in July 2017 as Business Manager and was appointed Deputy Director in 2020. She also leads the National Network of Special Schools for School Business Professionals (NNoSS), a network representing 400 schools in the specialist sector across England.

Prior to joining Schools North East in 2017, Pauline was a School Business Manager and has more than 25 years experience of working in education.  She has a wealth of knowledge with an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by schools and is committed to making a difference to the learning chances of all pupils.

Pauline is also experienced in school governance having served on various governing bodies and is currently a trustee of a special school trust and a committee chair.  She has an MBA in strategic leadership and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management.

• How to Join ? - Once you have registered and the events team have approved your place, you will be sent your confirmation email which contains your unique joining link from Zoom. If you have not received this, please check your spam/junk folder. If you are still struggling to find your join link, you can contact us in advance of the event and we will resend it to you. events@schoolsnortheast.com
• Do I need to install Zoom? - You can join the call without downloading Zoom by clicking ‘join from browser’ when you launch the call on the day of the event. If you are using the Zoom app from your laptop or PC, please ensure that you have the latest version installed prior to the event. Download and install here
• Can I ask the presenter questions? - You can submit questions for the speaker when you register, using the Zoom registration form. The Zoom chat function will also be available during the call and questions can be submitted here. You will also have the chance to unmute and speak directly with the speaker during any allocated Q&A sessions.

Adam Sproston is Senior His Majesty’s Inspector for special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), alternative provision (AP) and inclusion. He is a qualified teacher and has taught across the full primary age range. Before joining Ofsted, Adam gained extensive school improvement and senior leadership experience in primary schools, including specially resourced provision. He has also worked at local authority level in both early years and SEND strategic leadership. Adam holds a NPQH and the national award for SEND coordination. He leads inspections of primary, special and independent schools. Adam also leads and quality assures area SEND inspections.

Pauline joined Schools North East in July 2017 as Business Manager and was appointed Deputy Director in 2020. She also leads the National Network of Special Schools for School Business Professionals (NNoSS), a network representing 400 schools in the specialist sector across England.

Prior to joining Schools North East in 2017, Pauline was a School Business Manager and has more than 25 years experience of working in education.  She has a wealth of knowledge with an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by schools and is committed to making a difference to the learning chances of all pupils.

Pauline is also experienced in school governance having served on various governing bodies and is currently a trustee of a special school trust and a committee chair.  She has an MBA in strategic leadership and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management.

• How to Join ? - Once you have registered and the events team have approved your place, you will be sent your confirmation email which contains your unique joining link from Zoom. If you have not received this, please check your spam/junk folder. If you are still struggling to find your join link, you can contact us in advance of the event and we will resend it to you. events@schoolsnortheast.com
• Do I need to install Zoom? - You can join the call without downloading Zoom by clicking ‘join from browser’ when you launch the call on the day of the event. If you are using the Zoom app from your laptop or PC, please ensure that you have the latest version installed prior to the event. Download and install here
• Can I ask the presenter questions? - You can submit questions for the speaker when you register, using the Zoom registration form. The Zoom chat function will also be available during the call and questions can be submitted here. You will also have the chance to unmute and speak directly with the speaker during any allocated Q&A sessions.