Building a culture of trust and collaboration through internal communication
In the face of increasing demands for transparency, adaptability, and collaboration across the education sector, the Thinking Schools Academy Trust (TSAT) has pioneered a strategic approach to internal communication, placing it at the heart of its organisational culture. By prioritising open dialogue, staff voice, and aligned values, TSAT has created a thriving culture of trust that supports its mission to Transform Life Chances.
Challenge
As TSAT expanded, so did the complexity of its operations and the diversity of its teams. This growth presented a key challenge: how to keep all staff connected, aligned, and motivated across multiple schools and regions. The need for a unified culture driven by clear, consistent communication became a top priority.
“We believe that everyone should feel connected to our goals and values. By ensuring transparency and frequent communication, we're not just sharing news, we're building trust and a sense of belonging for all.” – Lauren Wilson, Head of Brand Strategy and Partnerships
Solution
Under the leadership of Lauren Wilson, Head of Brand Strategy and Partnerships, TSAT implemented a series of strategic initiatives to elevate internal communication from a basic function to a valuable organisational asset. These initiatives included the launch of a dedicated intranet platform to provide streamlined access to updates, key resources, and policies; the introduction of structured communication planning to ensure timely and relevant information reached the appropriate audiences; regular staff feedback sessions to gather insights and collaboratively develop solutions; and leadership communication training designed to equip school leaders with the skills needed to effectively support and engage their teams.
TSAT’s strategic communication efforts have led to measurable improvements in:
Driven by greater transparency and active listening
With school leaders empowered to communicate effectively
Ensuring everyone is moving toward shared goals
This work has not gone unnoticed. In September, TSAT was shortlisted by Investors in People for:
- UK Employer of the Year
- Award for Employee Engagement.
“We understand that to deliver our People Strategy long term, communication has to be adaptable, valued, and attuned to the evolving needs of our staff.” – Janina Villalta, Director of Strategic Delivery
TSAT remains focused on evolving its communication strategy with a proactive, people-first approach. Looking ahead, the Trust is committed to:
- Hosting regular feedback sessions to refine practices
- Expanding leadership development in communication skills
- Ensuring accessibility and inclusivity across all communication platforms
Beyond the Trust
As part of its broader mission, TSAT now shares its expertise beyond its schools through Thinking Solutions for Education—the Trust’s trading subsidiary offering support services in HR, finance, marketing, and communications. For schools seeking guidance in developing internal communications, Lauren Wilson can be contacted at lauren.wilson@tsatrust.org.uk.
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