To embed a positive, constructive and cohesive structure to enable a physiologically safe environment that promotes innovation, respect, ethical integrity and high performance.
Staff Engagement 
We are committed to creating a culture where every member of our team feels heard, valued, and empowered. By prioritising…
- Active listening,
- Providing constructive feedback,
- Ensuring transparency in our decision-making,
- and recognising meaningful contributions,
We aim to strengthen staff engagement across all levels of the organisation.
To bring this vision to life, we are focusing on six key areas:
- Empowering Line Managers
Define the responsibilities of our line managers, while providing them with the training and support they need to lead their teams with confidence and care. - Listening Through Representation
Staff voices and incredibly important. This is why we consult on incentives and benefits, ensuring feedback is captured and considered before any decisions are made. - Championing Wellbeing
Established a Wellbeing Committee, with representatives from each school, to focus on promoting a positive and supportive working environment. - Strengthening Union Relationships
We are building stronger partnerships with our workplace union representatives, with termly meetings for Headteachers and Executives to discuss important issues, whether local or trust-wide. - Gathering Insight and Feedback
Annual staff survey to monitor our performance as an organisation, alongside regular checks to stay informed on key issues as they arise. - Celebrating Our People
Making sure to celebrate all achievements made by our staff across the trust.
By focusing on these areas, we are confident we will continue to build a workplace culture that is not only engaging but genuinely empowering for everyone.
Trust Vision and Values
Our vision and values at UST shape a culture that fosters belonging and loyalty among our staff. We want all staff to understand the Trust’s history, where we’re heading, and how their role plays a part in our collective success, so that everyone is a part of the journey.
A key priority for us is promoting psychological safety within the organisation. This means creating an environment where open, transparent communication is encouraged, where mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn, and where staff can express themselves respectfully, without fear of blame or judgment.
To bring this vision to life, we promote a transparent and open environment where employees are free to express themselves without fear of judgment or recrimination for mistakes.
We have introduced a Trust-wide INSET day, providing an opportunity for staff across all schools to align, share values, and build a sense of unity.
This increases the visibility of the central team within schools, helping to strengthen connections between leadership, staff, and students.
By focusing on these areas, we are dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered.
Internal Communication
To aid our intention to build trust and boost employee morale, we are committed to improving our internal communications, so employees feel that they are well informed, heard and included in the process of change.
We will do this by delivering a dynamic communication programme that includes weekly job bulletins and opportunities for promotion, termly newsletters, the creation of an HR Hub where staff can readily access key information (policies, procedures, forms, advice, etc), monthly in-person HR clinics and the continuation of the UST Wellbeing Awareness sessions.
