EdExec LIVE Harrogate – Meet the Speakers: Getting to Know Jonny Coates

With EdExec LIVE in Harrogate fast approaching, in this series, Education Executive is shining a spotlight on our expert speakers, exploring the key topics they’ve previously addressed and highlighting the subjects they’ll be discussing at the event on 6th November

Speaker Spotlight

This time, we’re introducing Jonny Coates, head of business and financial support services at Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust, who spoke with Education Executive editor Laura Williams about ‘taking a leap of faith’ in the January 2023 issue of the magazine.

Jonny began his career in the financial services sector before transitioning to education in 2010. Since then, he has served in various roles as a director of business and finance within both schools and trusts. With extensive experience, Jonny is well-versed in managing change, having navigated shifts from primary to secondary education and from individual schools to multi-academy trusts.

Emphasising Support

In discussing his experience in the education sector, Jonny told Education Executive, “You have to hit the ground running as you will be firefighting and dealing with issues coming from all directions. There is a big difference between coming in as a business manager with that perspective and then working with the head teacher. You have to challenge those assumptions about communication and accountability and staff awareness of how things fit together and how things should be.”

In the interview, Jonny stressed the importance of using support systems in your role, whether you’re starting a new position or just need extra assistance. “It can be a lonely role, so having a network to bounce ideas off of makes a world of difference,” he explained.

EdExec LIVE Harrogate

Jonny will be taking the stage at EdExec LIVE in Harrogate to talk about optimising estates management, drawing on examples from both multi-academy trusts and maintained schools. He’ll showcase how consistent, systemised approaches can transform estate management across various school settings.

Stay tuned for more articles offering insights from our speakers in the coming weeks. In case you missed it, you can read the full interview here:

https://issuu.com/edexec/docs/education_executive_january_february_2024/16

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