Flexible working that works: the 9-day fortnight, removing job titles and protecting staff energy

In this episode, we’re joined by Robyn Ellis, school and college trust leader at Dixons Academies Trust, whose career spans both global corporate leadership and education system transformation. Drawing on her experience leading leadership development at Booking.com and now working across a major multi-academy trust, Robyn shares what education can learn from the corporate world, and where schools must lead differently. She explores how leadership systems, culture and organisational design shape staff experience, and why bold decisions — including removing job titles, introducing coaching-led performance development, and implementing a 9-day fortnight — can transform how organisations operate. We explore: What education can learn from global corporate leadership development Why relationships, coaching and organisational health sit at the heart of effective leadership Dixons’ decision to remove traditional job titles and what it changed about culture and collaboration The thinking behind the 9-day fortnight for teachers and what has been learned about making flexible working viable in schools Why leaders should focus on protecting energy, not just time Leadership habits that matter most in high-pressure environments Why joy, purpose and mission are essential to sustaining leadership over time This is a thoughtful and practical conversation for trust and school leaders thinking about leadership development, flexible working, culture and building sustainable organisations where both staff and pupils can thrive. LINKS For more on how The Key can support your trust, visit: key.sc/trustsupport Subscribe to our newsletter, Trust Matters: key.sc/trustmatters Connect with Robyn on LinkedIn. All views expressed in this episode are the guest’s own. Any mention of commercial providers, resources or products is on the guest’s recommendation and should not be considered an endorsement by The Key.