The Leadership Conference

Speakers included Steve Chalke MBE – Founder of Oasis Trust, Sonia Thompson – St Matthews Research School Birmingham, and Andy Wolfe – Executive Director of Education, The Church of England Education Office. In addition, young guests from Bishop Cannings Primary School and The Gryphon School joined in the day to add their voices to the mix. 

Andy Wolfe said, "It is amazing to be here in Salisbury with over 100 headteachers, clergy, and all manner of people coming together to look at this incredible theme of flourishing and sustaining vision as leaders. It’s been a really encouraging day, and amazing to see that the voice of children and young people were at the heart of the conference. Loving it, loving our partnership with Salisbury - onwards and upwards." 

Bishop Karen said, "It’s been a really good day today bringing together church, school leaders, as well as young people, to talk about what it means to have mutual flourishing. How church can help schools, and young people, and how we can really make a difference in transforming our communities. A really good start - lots more work to be done, and we look forward to further conversations, bringing in our chaplaincies, bringing in our community hub work, bringing in broader education and the diocese and the mission to see what we can do together." 

There was a buzz on Twitter, too, as guests and speakers shared their enthusiasm and enjoyment throughout the day, including Hannah Tarring, Community Hub Advisor, who said: 

"Fantastic conference today at Salisbury Guildhall exploring spiritual flourishing and church, school, and community working together. ‘Love is what holds everything together’  Amen to the wonderful prayers from children at Bishop Cannings" 

More content from the day will be made available next week.