This half-day course aims to offer advice and guidance to headteachers and chairs of governors about how to manage complex complaints in a way that is practical and effective whilst maintaining the integrity of a compassionate Christian vision.
Diocesan governance adviser Richard Hopkins will draw on his broad experience of complaints management as a headteacher, chair of governors and complaints panel member to offer guidance and advice about this most challenging area of school leadership. He will cover:
- How to apply your complaints policy in practice
- Where to seek support and advice
- Wise as serpents and harmless as doves – upholding the gospel and the love of Christ
- Protecting the mental health and wellbeing of staff, governors and complainants
There will also be an opportunity for networking and sharing support and advice between schools.
By the end of the morning delegates should have a clearer understanding of how to deal with complex complaints in a way that treats complainants with respect and understanding whilst strengthening the resilience and effectiveness of staff and governors. Delegates should also have a greater understanding of how schools can support each other in the management of complaints.
Location: Chelmsford Diocese
Duration: 3 hrs
Suitable for: Headteachers, School Leaders, Governors, Secondary, Primary
Facilitator: Laura O'Boyle
Dates:
4 November 2026, 9.30am - 12.30pm
Course facilitator
Richard joined the education team in September 2020 after ten years in two consecutive headships in Church of England primary schools in the Diocese of Chelmsford. Richard has also served as a member of the Diocesan Board of Education and a lead inspector for Ofsted in the East of England.
Richard lives in the north of the diocese where he has served in his local parish church as a PCC member, church warden and authorised local preacher.
Before becoming a teacher, Richard studied and worked in economics and finance where he developed an interest in the causes of economic disadvantage and their solutions. Richard chose to work in schools in the most economically deprived parts of the diocese in order to develop his understanding of the distinctive role that Church of England schools can play in reducing disadvantage and promoting opportunity and justice. He hopes to continue to promote this agenda in his diocesan adviser role.
Richard is married with four children. He enjoys spending time with his greyhound and is a season ticket holder at Colchester United Football Club.
Cost
Free of Charge for PA Subscribed Schools
£125 for Non PA Schools
Dates
4 November 2026, 9.30am - 12.30pm
29 September 2026 | 24 June 2027