DIGITAL FUTURES GROUP

DIGITAL FUTURES GROUP

James, with 21 years of experience at United Learning (England’s largest Multi Academy Trust), transitioned from his role as Director of IT to establish his own technology consultancy. Simultaneously, he dedicates time to chair the Board of Trustees at Apps for Good and serves as a Trustee at Sheffield Theatres. James spearheaded year two of the Edtech Demonstrator Programme on behalf of England’s Department for Education and played a pivotal role in United Learning’s Digital Strategy, supporting growth and enhancing cyber security. In his consultancy work, James assists various MATs (large and small) in enhancing system security, implementing effective IT support teams, and devising sustainable, financially viable digital strategies. His commitment to bridging the digital divide aligns seamlessly with his role at Apps for Good, where he supports them in championing computing courses focused on app design, climate change, and social action, fostering technology as a rewarding career path.

Lisa is a distinguished figure in Digital Strategy, IT, and Systems leadership, renowned for orchestrating comprehensive technology services across diverse sites. Throughout her career, she has displayed an unwavering commitment to enhancing IT systems, resulting in the development and execution of pioneering digital strategies. Her outstanding contributions were recognised when she was named a finalist for the esteemed 2018 Information Age Women in IT Future CIO Award, underscoring her significant impact on the tech community. Lisa's leadership approach is deeply rooted in fostering technology adoption, advocating for best practices, and cultivating a culture that prioritises efficiency and sustainability. With strategic foresight and dynamic leadership, she spearheads initiatives that seamlessly marry technology with business objectives, driving substantial advancements in organisational performance and resilience. Her relentless pursuit of excellence has earned her a stellar reputation for delivering innovative solutions and achieving tangible results, positioning her as a respected leader in the field of digital transformation and IT strategy.

Abid has been working in EdTech for over 19 years. As the IT Director for Newham Community Learning, he leads on digital strategy, cyber security and delivery of all digital learning experiences for the Trust. Abid is a Google Certified Trainer and Innovator. He is also leader of the Google Educator Group, GEG UK. During the global pandemic, Abid collaborated with other Innovators and leading educators from around the world to help found the Global GEG. Abid has presented and spoken at many conferences and events globally. In recognition of his efforts to improve digital outcomes for learners, he was awarded the title of EduFuturists Network Manager of the Year and also named in the EdTech50 “Ones to Note”. Abid is a passionate advocate for sustainable digital transformation in schools. He was described by one of his fellow innovators as "a natural positive force and dreamer with 10X ideas".

Daren is a highly experienced and award winning teacher and Senior Leader who is committed to effective integration of technology into education. With over 24 years of experience, he leads Academic Technologies in a large MAT. A Google Certified Trainer, Coach and Innovator, Microsoft Innovative Educator and Apple Teacher, Daren leads training, coaching, workshops and presentations focused on embracing AI in education. He recently published a book, "What’s Their Why? Exploring motivation and engagement in learning and is a leader of the Google Educator Group for the UK.

Emma is Director of Technology for Learning at EdTech 50 School Denbigh High in Luton. In 2019, Denbigh became a UNESCO international Best Practice Case Study for “Developing and delivering a successful technology for learning strategy in the UK.” During the pandemic, Denbigh was a DfE EdTech Demonstrator School with Emma as the school’s Programme Lead. In 2021, Emma joined the BETT Advisory Board and also won the Gold Pearson National Teaching Award for Digital Innovator of the Year. In 2023, Denbigh won the Edufuturists Award for Secondary School of the Year, Emma won the Global EdTech Award for Most Impactful Senior Member of Staff and she became a Trustee for Apps For Good and a Workstream Lead for the A.I. in Education initiative.

Gemma is a distinguished technology educator and leader with extensive experience spanning private and state schools globally. Specialising in reducing teacher workload and fostering 21st-century skills in students, she champions accessible technology integration, drawing from her own experience with Dyslexia. Gemma's career includes roles from classroom teaching to leadership, exemplifying her passion for enhancing teaching and learning through technology. In 2021, she joined United Learning's Central Team, supporting schools in the South Coast with digital strategy development and participation in the national EdTech Demonstrator Programme. Now serving as Portsmouth's Strategic Lead for Digital and Head of Digital Learning, Education, and Innovation, Gemma aims to drive the city towards national recognition as a "digital city." Her focus remains on inclusive technology adoption for all citizens, collaborating with educational institutions, businesses, and the community to achieve collective digital advancement.

Gary has over 25 years in education, as a teacher, senior leader and consultant in the UK and Middle East. He currently leads technology strategy and the technology services team as Director of IT at Millfield, a large UK Independent School, as well as being an Association of Network Managers in Education (ANME) ambassador and Vice Chair of the ISC Digital Advisory Group. He has presented at conferences internationally on subjects such as cyber security for schools, AI, digital citizenship and Technology Strategy and was named as a finalist in the EduFuturist Network Manager of the Year 2022 and in the Global EdTech Awards 2023, Most Impactful Senior Member of Staff category. He also is currently leading the development of the ISBA’s 2024 Digital Survey, looking at digital strategy and the use of digital tools in UK independent schools.

Jonny, an accomplished MAT Executive and Board Trustee at Waterton Academy Trust, holds key roles as Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Data Protection Officer (DPO). He drove a comprehensive digital transformation within the Trust, adapting to its complex structure. With an Executive MBA and Chartered Manager status from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), Jonny's expertise is evident. His research on Digital Transformation through Business Model Innovation in Multi-Academy Trusts demonstrates his commitment to innovation. Engaging with digital leaders globally through CIO Net, he builds valuable networks. A sought-after speaker at conferences, Jonny shares insights across education and beyond. His teaching background informs his advocacy for technology-enhanced learning, evident in projects like 'Blended Learning Essentials' MOOC with UCL and the University of Leeds. He also contributes to initiatives like BECTA and LSN's MoleNet, fostering digital advancement in Further and Higher Education.