A new community of practice for place-based leaders
In the busyness of our day-to-day work, cross-organisational collaboration and learning often squeezes into the shrinking gaps in our diaries – or falls through the cracks completely. But in an increasingly complex and interdependent education system, it’s more vital than ever that we find time to connect, learn and cooperate if we’re going to make meaningful progress towards fairer outcomes.
It was in this spirit that we brought together our new place-based Network - a group of system leaders from Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MSAs) and the Greater London Authority. The Fair Education Alliance organised and led their inaugural retreat in Rutland, with facilitation support from Place Matters, and dedicated the time to deep, collaborative thinking away from day-to-day pressures.
“I’ve done this for a long time, but I feel like I’m already coming away with new skills, new tools, new techniques, a new tribe.”
The Network exists to support leaders to drive meaningful, long-term change for children and young people that responds to specific, local needs. This matters now more than ever - the recent passing of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 marks a shift in how power and responsibility are distributed across England. As decision-making moves closer to communities, the need for leaders to share what works has never been greater.
“Everyone’s coming from totally different angles but really committed to breaking down silos and working in a collaborative, trusting, open and collective way to think about long-term systemic change.”
For many, the retreat offered a rare opportunity to step back, connect with peers and realise they are not navigating these challenges alone.
“It’s reassured me that we’re all working on similarly tricky issues, and I think the Network could have a really significant impact in allowing us to come together collectively.”
This was only the beginning of the journey. Over the next two and a half years, this community of practice will continue to meet and grow - developing as leaders, connecting across place and sector, and gaining the tools and skills to work more effectively, in their own contexts and collectively. And if the energy from the first retreat is anything to go by, the effects will be felt by children and young people across the country in the years ahead.
“I feel quite honoured to be part of this. My role is essentially supporting our communities and residents, and this investment in me as a leader will help me to do my job more effectively and hopefully more successfully.”
If you have examples of place-based best practice that you would like to share with the Network, please get in touch with the team via place@faireducation.org.uk.