In This Session
Rita Patel, Head of Governance at Central Region Schools Trust, will share how multi-academy trusts can strengthen their governance by rebalancing three core pillars of the CRST vision, mission and values of social justice, and by using our strategic objectives to deliver meaningful change: People, Places and Process. The session will provide a practical perspective on how governance can be both strategic and sustainable in a fast‑evolving education landscape.
Discover how a Governance Reset can:
Empower People – through clear roles, meaningful training, and a culture where trustees and local governors feel confident, valued and impactful.
Strengthen Places – ensuring every school benefits from consistent visibility, effective oversight, and governance that genuinely reflects its community.
Streamline Processes – creating governance systems that are efficient, compliant, transparent and easier for volunteers and staff to navigate.
Whether your trust is refining its governance model, preparing for growth, or seeking to engage new governors and trustees, this session will offer ideas that can be implemented and illustrate how strong governance creates a powerful sense of purpose and make a real difference to children’s lives.
Meet the Expert - Rita Patel
With ten years of experience in the education sector, I have developed deep expertise in governance, compliance, and risk management. As Head of Governance at Central Region Schools Trust (CRST), a multi‑academy trust of 14 schools, I work closely with the Executive Team and Trustees to translate strategic ambition into meaningful impact. I am passionate about social justice, ensuring that our governance structures uphold fairness, equity, and improved life chances for every pupil in our communities.
I also proudly serve as a Trustee for Titan Education Trust, contributing my sector knowledge and strategic insight to support their mission of raising aspiration, strengthening inclusion, and fostering opportunity for children and young people. This dual perspective operational leadership within CRST and strategic oversight within Titan gives me a rich understanding of how strong governance drives excellence across different trust contexts.
In my role at CRST, I lead on Trust‑wide risk management and regulatory compliance. I also champion innovation through the thoughtful use of digital technologies and AI to modernise governance practices and enhance educational outcomes.
My background spans strategic planning, governance frameworks, compliance systems, and a detailed understanding of data protection legislation. I am known for a leadership style grounded in clarity, collaboration, and purposeful communication, ensuring stakeholders remain aligned and well‑informed.
Before joining the education sector, I launched my career in the private sector, leading multi‑disciplinary project teams to deliver organisational change. This complex programme required collaborative partnership with diverse internal and external stakeholders to design infrastructure, establish staffing models, and manage financial planning. Throughout, I ensured senior leaders received clear, consistent reporting while proactively identifying risks to maintain pace and quality.
Across all settings, I am committed to creating environments where teams feel empowered, valued, and confident. By fostering adaptability, openness, and mutual respect, I help build strong team identities that remain resilient and focused, even during high‑pressure moments.
For multi-academy trusts
Complete trust-wide school improvement software to plan, monitor and evaluate performance with confidence.
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For further education
Powering quality, compliance and curriculum excellence in colleges.
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