Shaping Education for Tomorrow, Today

The Thinking Futures Symposium, presented by the Futures Group of The Society of Heads, is your gateway to exploring the challenges and opportunities that will define education in the years to come.

In an ever-changing world, where technology, innovation, and societal shifts reshape the future of work and learning, this symposium offers a platform for educators, leaders, and innovators to come together to engage, collaborate, and reimagine the possibilities for our schools and students.

Join thought leaders, industry experts, and school leaders in a groundbreaking virtual series designed to equip you with insights and strategies for navigating the complexities of tomorrow’s world.

This year’s theme, The Future of Work, delves into the transformative impact of technologies such as AI and robotics, exploring how they are reshaping industries and creating new opportunities. It examines the evolving dynamics of the workplace, highlighting the importance of developing transferable skills that can adapt to changing roles and environments. Ultimately, the event focuses on how educators can prepare students to thrive in a rapidly shifting professional landscape, ensuring they are equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Featuring keynote speakers like Dave Coplin, former Chief Envisioning Officer at Microsoft, and The Right Honourable Lord Knight of Weymouth, our sessions promise to inform, inspire, and spark meaningful change in education.

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Keynote Speakers

Dave CoplinThe Evolution of Work

Dave Coplin, Author, Alchemist, Catalyst and Founder of the Envisioners

For over 30 years, Dave Coplin has worked with or for the world’s largest technology
companies. Formerly Microsoft UK’s “Chief Envisioning Officer” he provides individuals, organisations
and governments around the world with strategic advice and guidance that enables them to deliver
lasting growth and market relevance through the adoption of transformational technology.

He has a list of clients from around the world and has worked with organisations in every sector and
almost every industry. From Facebook, Google and Microsoft through to Barclays, Ernst Young, PHD
Media, and Vodafone as well as leading public sector and academic institutions such as the Crown
Prosecution Service, UK Parliament, Cambridge and Oxford Universities, Dave is engaged at the
highest levels to help inspire and drive technology enabled transformation.

Dave is an established author on topics surrounding the future of work and our relationship with
technology. His first book: “Business Reimagined”, provided a view of a new working environment
based on collaborative and flexible working. His second book, “The Rise of the Humans” provides a
further call to action, for both individuals and organisations to harness not hate the digital deluge, to
rise up and take back control of the potential that technology offers our society.

Dave is a recognised authority in the industry on a broad range of topics and is often sought to
provide advice and guidance to UK government on policy issues such as Artificial Intelligence and
Robotics, as well as being a regular contributor both here in the UK and around the world with media
like the BBC & BBC World, Channel 4, The Times, The Telegraph and the Guardian talking about
everything from the future of work, the future of education, privacy and on-line safety, right through
to big data and the impact of transformational technologies like Machine Learning and Artificial
Intelligence.

Alongside his consulting and public speaking work, Dave is an independent non-executive director for
Mitchells and Butlers plc and Vianet Group plc, helping to deliver on their strategies for growth by
providing strategic advice and guidance on the increasing relevance of digital technologies across
their business operations.

Dave runs a vibrant YouTube channel exploring the future of work and can be found on Twitter
@dcoplin and at his on-line home, www.theenvisioners.com.

Dave CoplinThe Evolution of Work

Dave Coplin, Author, Alchemist, Catalyst and Founder of the Envisioners

For over 30 years, Dave Coplin has worked with or for the world’s largest technology
companies. Formerly Microsoft UK’s “Chief Envisioning Officer” he provides individuals, organisations
and governments around the world with strategic advice and guidance that enables them to deliver
lasting growth and market relevance through the adoption of transformational technology.

He has a list of clients from around the world and has worked with organisations in every sector and
almost every industry. From Facebook, Google and Microsoft through to Barclays, Ernst Young, PHD
Media, and Vodafone as well as leading public sector and academic institutions such as the Crown
Prosecution Service, UK Parliament, Cambridge and Oxford Universities, Dave is engaged at the
highest levels to help inspire and drive technology enabled transformation.

Dave is an established author on topics surrounding the future of work and our relationship with
technology. His first book: “Business Reimagined”, provided a view of a new working environment
based on collaborative and flexible working. His second book, “The Rise of the Humans” provides a
further call to action, for both individuals and organisations to harness not hate the digital deluge, to
rise up and take back control of the potential that technology offers our society.

Dave is a recognised authority in the industry on a broad range of topics and is often sought to
provide advice and guidance to UK government on policy issues such as Artificial Intelligence and
Robotics, as well as being a regular contributor both here in the UK and around the world with media
like the BBC & BBC World, Channel 4, The Times, The Telegraph and the Guardian talking about
everything from the future of work, the future of education, privacy and on-line safety, right through
to big data and the impact of transformational technologies like Machine Learning and Artificial
Intelligence.

Alongside his consulting and public speaking work, Dave is an independent non-executive director for
Mitchells and Butlers plc and Vianet Group plc, helping to deliver on their strategies for growth by
providing strategic advice and guidance on the increasing relevance of digital technologies across
their business operations.

Dave runs a vibrant YouTube channel exploring the future of work and can be found on Twitter
@dcoplin and at his on-line home, www.theenvisioners.com.

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Lord Jim KnightEducating for Work and Life – What Matters for Schools

The Right Honourable Lord Knight of Weymouth (Lord Jim Knight)

Jim Knight works in education, digital technology and as a legislator.

Jim is the Non-Executive Chair of a number of education boards: E-Act Multi Academy Trust, Council of British International Schools, Century-Tech and STEM Learning Ltd. He also sits on the Pearson Qualifications Committee and provides advice to GoodNotes, Edwin Group and Everfi.

As a government minister and MP, Jim’s portfolios included rural affairs, schools, digital and employment. He was a member of Gordon Brown’s Cabinet, before joining the Lords in 2010. He regularly speaks in the Lords on education and technology policy.

Lord Jim KnightEducating for Work and Life – What Matters for Schools

The Right Honourable Lord Knight of Weymouth (Lord Jim Knight)

Jim Knight works in education, digital technology and as a legislator.

Jim is the Non-Executive Chair of a number of education boards: E-Act Multi Academy Trust, Council of British International Schools, Century-Tech and STEM Learning Ltd. He also sits on the Pearson Qualifications Committee and provides advice to GoodNotes, Edwin Group and Everfi.

As a government minister and MP, Jim’s portfolios included rural affairs, schools, digital and employment. He was a member of Gordon Brown’s Cabinet, before joining the Lords in 2010. He regularly speaks in the Lords on education and technology policy.

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