Podcast
HFL Education
Hosted by HFL Education · EN
HFL Education (formerly Herts for Learning) is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The HFL Education Business Services Podcast - When complaints turn vexatious, what can school leaders do?
2w ago00:21:34Tap to summarizeSchool complaints are a normal part of educational leadership, but what happens when a complaint becomes persistent, unreasonable or impossible to resolve? As schools face increasingly complex complaints, leaders are finding themselves spending significant amounts of time managing situations that can quickly become overwhelming.In this episode, Catherine Loake is joined by HFL Education Complaints Manager Paul Davis to explore what constitutes a vexatious complaint and how school leaders can respond.The conversation also examines communication restrictions, the role of governance, the risks of acting too quickly, and the balance between protecting staff wellbeing while ensuring genuine concerns are heard.Packed with practical advice this episode provides school leaders with a clear framework for managing some of the most challenging complaints they may face, while maintaining focus on what matters most: delivering excellent education.Host: Catherine Loake (Director of Business Services, HFL Education)Guest: Paul Davis (Complaints Manager, HFL Education)Created by: Rachel Lodge, Paul Hayward, Biljana MiljkovicQuestions? Email podcast@hfleducation.orgHFL Education (formally Herts for Learning) is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.
Transcribe →The HFL Education Business Services Podcast - How can school leaders manage complaints in the age of AI?
3w ago00:27:48Tap to summarizeAs AI transforms the way we communicate, it is also changing the nature of complaints received by schools. In this episode Catherine Loake is joined by Emma Murray, Headteacher of Camps Hill Primary School and Co-CEO of The Claxton Trust to discuss how is effecting complaint volume, tone and escalation, as well as the effect on relationships and teacher well being.Packed with real-world experience, this episode offers school leaders strategies to manage relationships, strengthen communication through listening and manage complaints confidently in the age of AI.Bite-sized listening for headteachers, CEOs, school business leaders and governors, the series helps leaders step back from day-to-day pressures, reflect on the bigger picture, and explore practical ways to lead their organisations sustainably and strategically.Host: Catherine Loake (Director of Business Services, HFL Education)Guest: Emma Murray (Headteacher, Camps Hill Primary School and Co-CEO, The Claxton Trust)Created by: Rachel Lodge, Paul Hayward, Biljana MiljkovicQuestions? Email podcast@hfleducation.orgHFL Education (formally Herts for Learning) is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.
Transcribe →The HFL Education Business Services Podcast - Why are there so many juxtapositions in education?
May 2000:20:26Tap to summarizeCatherine Loake is joined once again by Carol Bennett to explore the growing contradictions within the education system and the impact these tensions are having on school leaders.The conversation examines the increasing fragmentation across education policy and practice, from school place planning and financial accountability to inclusion, SEND provision, Ofsted, falling rolls, and the competing expectations placed on education professionals.Bite-sized listening for headteachers, CEOs, school business leaders and governors, the series helps leaders step back from day-to-day pressures, reflect on the bigger picture, and explore practical ways to lead their organisations sustainably and strategically.Host: Catherine Loake (Director of Business Services)Guest: Carole Bennett (CEO)Created by: Rachel Lodge, Paul Hayward, Biljana MiljkovicQuestions? Email podcast@hfleducation.org.HFL Education (formally Herts for Learning) is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.
Transcribe →The HFL Education Business Services Podcast - When Staff Resist Change; what can school leaders do?
May 1300:19:33Tap to summarizeChange is a constant in school, but not all change is created equal. While curriculum developments are often embraced, changes to systems, processes, and back-office functions can prove far more challenging.In this episode, Catherine Loake, Director of Business Services at HFL Education, is joined by HR expert Hena Mahmood to explore why change can feel so difficult in school settings, and what leaders can do to make it more successful.Drawing on extensive experience supporting schools and trusts, Hena highlights the human side of change, how change effects culture and the importance of communication.Successful change is not just about having the right strategy, but about taking people with you, creating a shared purpose, communicating clearly, and investing time in listening and support. With realities of modern headship, how can leaders navigate change when there is resistance?Bite-sized listening for headteachers, CEOs, school business leaders and governors, the series helps leaders step back from day-to-day pressures, reflect on the bigger picture, and explore practical ways to lead their organisations sustainably and strategically.Host: Catherine Loake (Director of Business Services)Guest: Hena Mahmood (Service Development Lead)Created by: Rachel Lodge, Paul Hayward, Biljana MiljkovicQuestions? Email podcast@hfleducation.org.HFL Education (formally Herts for Learning) is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.
Transcribe →The HFL Education Business Services Podcast - Insourcing vs Outsourcing: What Works Best in Education?
May 700:13:03Tap to summarizeTo insource or to outsource? That is the question. In this episode, Catherine Loake, Director of Business Services at HFL Education, is joined by Jackie Keegan, Head of Financial Services, to unpack the realities behind insourcing and outsourcing in schools and trusts.Drawing on over 27 years of experience Jackie explores why there is no one-size-fits-all answer, why flexibility is key and how school leaders can rethink traditional service models, shift towards outcome-focused conversations with suppliers, and find the confidence to do things differently.Practical and thought-provoking, this episode encourages leaders to stay agile and continually review how services are delivered ensuring the best outcomes for pupils while maintaining financial sustainability.Bite-sized listening for headteachers, CEOs, school business leaders and governors, the series helps leaders step back from day-to-day pressures, reflect on the bigger picture, and explore practical ways to lead their organisations sustainably and strategically.Host: Catherine Loake (Director of Business Services)Guest: Jackie Keegan (Head of Financial Services)Created by: Rachel Lodge, Paul Hayward, Biljana MiljkovicQuestions? Email podcast@hfleducation.org.HFL Education (formally Herts for Learning) is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.
Transcribe →The HFL Education Business Services Podcast - How do school leaders manage financial pressure?
Apr 2900:11:34Tap to summarizeAs financial pressures across education continue to intensify, more and more schools are finding themselves approaching, or already in, deficit.In this episode, Catherine Loake, Director of Business Services at HFL Education, is joined by Lisa Holroyd, Head of Academies Finance, to explore what school leaders can do when finances become unsustainable.Together, they unpack the reality behind the “perfect storm” facing schools: rising costs, increasing SEND needs, falling pupil numbers, and shrinking funding. With many schools feeling they’ve already cut everything they can, this episode tackles the difficult question — what’s left to do?Bite-sized listening for headteachers, CEOs, school business leaders and governors, the series helps leaders step back from day-to-day pressures, reflect on the bigger picture, and explore practical ways to lead their organisations sustainably and strategically.Host: Catherine Loake (Director of Business Services)Guest: Lisa Holroyd (Head of Academies Finance)Created by: Rachel Lodge, Paul Hayward, Biljana MiljkovicQuestions? Email podcast@hfleducation.org.HFL Education (formally Herts for Learning) is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.
Transcribe →The HFL Education Business Services Podcast - Tech in Schools; friend or foe?
Apr 2200:21:27Tap to summarizeTechnology in schools can be a powerful tool, or a significant burden. In this episode, Catherine Loake, Director of Business Services at HFL Education, is joined by Zoran Dimitrijevic, Head of Technology in Schools, to explore why some schools thrive with technology while others struggle.They unpack the two critical ingredients for success: a clear strategy and governance framework, and choosing the right IT delivery partner. With growing cyber threats, evolving digital expectations, and increasing financial pressures, getting this balance right has never been more important.This honest and jargon-free episode offers school leaders clear guidance on navigating complex technology decisions; helping them move from being burdened by IT to truly benefiting from it.Bite-sized listening for headteachers, CEOs, school business leaders and governors, the series helps leaders step back from day-to-day pressures, reflect on the bigger picture, and explore practical ways to lead their organisations sustainably and strategically.Host: Catherine Loake (Director of Business Services)Guest: Zoran Dimitrijevic (Head of Technology in Schools)Created by: Rachel Lodge, Paul Hayward, Biljana MiljkovicQuestions? Email podcast@hfleducation.org.HFL Education (formally Herts for Learning) is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.
Transcribe →The HFL Education Business Services Podcast - How can school leaders do more with less?
Apr 1500:17:29Tap to summarizeSchool leaders are under unprecedented pressure. With growing responsibilities, rising costs, and limited budgets, the challenge of delivering high-quality education while maintaining financial stability has never been greater.In this episode, Catherine Loake, Director of Business Services at HFL Education, sits down with CEO Carole Bennett to explore how school leaders can navigate the reality of “doing more with less.”The HFL Education Business Services Podcast is a series of short, practical conversations designed for busy school leaders navigating an increasingly complex landscape.Hosted by Catherine Loake, Director of Business Services at HFL Education, each episode brings together expert insight, real-world experience, and honest discussion about the pressures facing schools today.Bite-sized listening for headteachers, CEOs, school business leaders and governors, the series helps leaders step back from day-to-day pressures, reflect on the bigger picture, and explore practical ways to lead their organisations sustainably and strategically.Host: Catherine Loake (Director of Business Services)Guest: Carole Bennett (CEO)Created by: Rachel Lodge, Paul Hayward, Biljana MiljkovicQuestions? Email podcast@hfleducation.org.HFL Education (formally Herts for Learning) is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.
Transcribe →HFL Education interview the Children’s Commissioner for England on Race Equity
Feb 7, 202300:21:48Tap to summarizeIn our first episode Shammi and Rachel about how vital RE is. Now listen to them discuss the Child Q case, race equity and advice to young people and headteachers.HFL Education (formally Herts for Learning) is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.
Transcribe →Why is RE so vital to young people?
Feb 7, 202300:14:51Tap to summarizeListen to Shammi Rahman, HFL Education’s Race Equality Adviser and Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England discuss the importance of RE for young people and bringing communities together in our special 2-parter podcast episode.HFL Education (formally Herts for Learning) is a not-for-profit organisation providing all the services, training and resources needed to deliver a great education to every child.
Transcribe →