School Leaders and Teachers: The Human Heart of the System – Wellbeing in a Time of Change: Keynote Hosted by Commercial Services Group

At Commercial Services Group, our mission is to stand alongside education professionals — not only by providing essential products and services, but by understanding the realities they face every day. Our 2026 national research brings this into sharp focus: amid funding pressures, rising SEND need, workforce shortages and shifting policy expectations, the wellbeing of staff remains both the greatest pressure and the greatest priority.

Early indications from our ongoing research suggest that staff wellbeing is closely intertwined with recruitment, retention, school culture and leaders’ capacity to deliver on the ambitions of the Schools White Paper. Parents too appear increasingly aware of the pressures teachers and support staff are under. The picture developing so far reinforces a simple truth: people are so central to the system — and when they thrive, schools thrive.

As headline sponsor of the Schools & Academies Show, our keynote this year explores that human centre point — the wellbeing, resilience and energy of the people who make learning possible.

Introducing Suzie Lavington – Bringing the research to life

Back on the Main Stage by popular demand, Suzie Lavington from Art of Brilliance will unpack what our latest findings mean for the everyday experience of staff in schools. With her trademark warmth, humour and practical wisdom, Suzie will show how leaders can turn research insights into small, sustainable behaviours that lift morale, boost confidence and create a culture where people genuinely feel able to thrive.

Grounded in the evidence from our 2026 study, Suzie will explore:

• Why wellbeing underpins workforce capacity, and what our findings suggest leaders can do immediately to support it.

• The key pressure points emerging from the research, and simple actions that help relieve strain for staff.

• Small daily habits proven to boost positivity and energy, easy to build into any school day.

• How to create steady, supportive, psychologically safe environments, based on what staff say makes the biggest difference.

• Quick, practical techniques anyone can use tomorrow to bring out the best in themselves and their teams.

Thrive, Not Just Survive — Reimagined for 2026

Building on last year’s powerful session, this edition goes further. It links wellbeing to the real pressures leaders report, the expectations of the Schools White Paper, and the human resilience needed as schools navigate change.

Join Us

Hosted on the Main Stage from 10:00am to 10:20am, this session will be introduced by Rob Boyles, Group CEO of Commercial Services Group.

Visit us at Stand H41 to explore tailored solutions supporting staff wellbeing, workforce capacity and the system pressures highlighted in our 2026 research.