Insignis Annual Staff Conferences
2024
Our 2024 conference featured three main keynote sessions for all staff, followed by 24 diverse workshops that staff could choose from. The Insignis staff choir increased its numbers to 170 members in 2024!
Tracey Campbell - Will you be the one?
Tracey had a gripping story of how her own challenging behaviour led to 6 suspensions from primary and secondary
school combined. She knows first hand the profound impact that adults can have on a young life when they decide to be a constant caring presence in the life of a student.
With a soul-stirring communication style, Tracey’s keynote left our staff:
- Empowered to face the challenges of post-Covid education with grit and grace.
Confident that they can cultivate the kind of heart that welcomes all and the kind of skill that can reach all. - Equipped with skills needed to prioritise their own wellbeing alongside the welfare of students.
- Renewed in their commitment to cultivate the kind of culture where a high regard for students is maintained through great days and grey days.
Calvin Eden, the Brand Director and visionary founder of Loud Speaker, embodies the ethos of empowering young voices.
With a mission to equip the youth with the confidence and skills to articulate their thoughts effectively, Loud Speaker conducts dynamic workshops nationwide.
Calvin’s journey epitomizes the power of voice. From the inception of his entrepreneurial endeavours to his recurring appearances on Channel 4 and BBC, Calvin’s unwavering energy and passion consistently enrapture audiences. As the current winner of the 2023 Great British Entrepreneur of the Year for Purpose Award, Calvin’s commitment to making a positive impact resonates profoundly.
Through Loud Speaker, Calvin continues to inspire and uplift, leaving an indelible mark on every platform he engages with.
Meera Bhogal 
Menopause expert and educator, Meera Bhogal, has created awareness through educating women to see that Menopause should not be feared or an unexplained and daunting experience.
Having been invited to parliament twice by Caroline Harris MP to be part of the APPG parliamentary inquiry on Menopause, Meera is known for her expertise, her passion for championing diversity, representation and raising awareness on a national and global level so that everyone understands the impact and effects of menopause on not just women, but society.
2023
The main focus of the 2023 annual conference was Wellbeing. There were keynote speakers and then 27 workshops for staff to choose from covering topics such as Mindfulness, Balancing work and family, Dealing with Challenging Conversations and Developing Resilience. There were also sessions on Google Workspace and using technology to help with marking and assessment feedback. The 2023 conference also saw the introduction of the Insignis cross-school staff choir!
Chris Misselbrook, from MindFirst UK, brings over 15 years of experience teaching PE in Secondary Schools, primarily in leadership roles. At the age of 30, he confronted a significant mental health challenge, facing Burnout Syndrome and Reactive Depression. Chris’s journey of recovery sparked a transformation in his teaching approach, reigniting his passion, productivity, and overall well-being. His newfound sense of calmness and effectiveness not only enriched classroom experiences but also contributed to notable enhancements in the department curriculum and results, earning modest recognition from Ofsted as a real school strength. Today, Chris is dedicated to leading a mission that supports professionals in overcoming stress and anxiety, with the aim of improving staff retention in the education sector.
Rachael Mackenzie is a world Thai boxing and British boxing champion. Having found sport at 18 she credits the tools learnt through elite sport in her recovery from anorexia and poor mental health. Rachael is a chartered physiotherapist with postgraduate studies in psychology, nutrition and sleep. An expert in wellbeing and performance, Rachael works with organisations across the world to empower educators and coaches to support young people to mitigate the challenges of adolescence and to support individuals to fulfil their potential.
2022
The main focus of this inaugural annual conference was the launch of the Well Trust programme, led by the Youth Sports Trust, across The Insignis Academy Trust. We were a Pilot Trust for this project.
The Well Trust, builds on the success of the Well School Movement that first started in 2019. In essence, the Well Trust develops and reinforces the principles of the Well School pillars, extending them across a group of schools.
144573 mydas conference 2022 flyer 1 .pdf
