Professional Development: From Communications Officer to Head of Service - Here's Lauren Wilson's Story

Tell us about your professional journey at TSAT, starting from when you became a communications officer through to where you are today.

My journey in the education sector began in 2019, while I was working with a well-known recruitment agency in Portsmouth. I found that working in education gave me a deep sense of purpose, knowing I was contributing to something meaningful.

When the Communications Officer position opened up at TSAT in 2021, I applied immediately. In my first few months, I focused on building relationships with key stakeholders across Portsmouth, and before long, I was involved in a number of Trust-wide initiatives.

These projects included coordinating our annual Trust conference - a memorable experience that had me meticulously combing through hundreds of MS Forms entries to ensure every participant was booked into their sessions - and leading the rebranding efforts for Newbridge Junior and Penhale Infant School to establish Penbridge Schools.

As I progressed in my role to Marketing and Communications Manager, I learned that growth as a leader requires a balance of curiosity, adaptability, and the confidence to handle complex scenarios. Now, as Head of Service, I am proud to lead a talented team of creative individuals, supporting them as they lead in their regions, take on new challenges, and grow their skills.

What were you doing before you joined TSAT and how did that make you the professional you are today working in education?

Before joining TSAT, I specialised in education recruitment, working to position myself as a trusted partner for schools.

During this time, I had the privilege of meeting hundreds of talented teachers and leaders, each bringing a unique story, skill set, and a passion for transforming education.

My role was to ensure candidates were well-represented using various marketing tactics, and I focused on building trusted relationships with schools.

This experience gave me a deep appreciation for the challenges and successes within the education sector. By taking the time to understand the complexities schools face, I realised that my skills could make a meaningful impact within a Trust like TSAT.

Since joining TSAT, what have you learnt most about yourself?

Since joining TSAT, the most important thing I've learned about myself is the value of reflection. The Trust strongly advocates for reflective practice, though I’ll admit I was initially sceptical, wondering, "What good will it really do? I can’t change the past.”

However, reflection has since become an important part of my decision-making process, after projects and meetings.

Taking a moment to step back and reframe my thoughts has significantly improved my ability to lead. It allows me to approach fast-moving situations with clear messaging and strategic insight, and to guide change projects in a way that ensures others can fully buy into my vision and plans.

What would you say to encourage other staff to explore professional development opportunities, specifically in-house?

I would encourage staff to take full advantage of the professional development opportunities available within the Trust.

Reach out to other experts, one of our strengths as a Trust is our commitment to sharing knowledge and insights.

Take ownership of your professional growth and explore different paths if you're unsure where you want to focus.

We’re trusted as individuals to develop our skills and align our roles with the Trust's mission to Transform Life Chances. Personally, I’ve been able to learn from others through the Trust-wide Conference, Leadership Cohorts, and Professional Growth conversations with my line manager.

These resources have been invaluable, and I highly recommend them to anyone looking to grow within the Trust.

How would you describe the culture of the trust and how it supports the people that work for it?

The Trust openly offers many pathways for growth and collaborative working. It is understood that we are all working towards the same goal: to Transform Life Chances in our own unique way.

My role has allowed me to work with many different stakeholders, support their projects, and deliver some brilliant outcomes.

I am most proud of our Intranet project, mainly because it was built by our staff. I hosted a range of groups and empowered staff with the tools to build engaging pages where staff could find the information they needed.

The project was recognised by Investors in People with the shortlisting for the Engagement of the Year award. This project is the very symbol of why I work at TSAT; the support and teamwork, regardless of role or position, is absolutely invaluable.

For anyone thinking about working within one of our school services, specifically for people working in the private sector and thinking about switching to education, what would your message be to them to come and give it a go?

Working in education offers a unique sense of ‘finding your place’ that is hard to find elsewhere.

You will find a supportive environment where your skills are valued, and your contributions have the opportunity to transform the lives of students and staff.

The sector provides opportunities for growth professionally and personally, whether it's through new projects, supporting others, or helping to shape the future of our young people.

Don’t get me wrong – the challenges are there like in any workplace - but the reward far exceeds this. If you're looking for a purpose-driven career with a strong sense of community, education could be the perfect fit.