The CPD Exchange 2025: Conference Recordings (May 2025)
- Last Updated: 30th July, 2026
- IRIS Connect
The CPD Exchange marked a significant milestone as IRIS Connect’s first-ever hybrid event. It brought together educators both in person and online to connect, collaborate, and explore practical CPD solutions that are making a real impact in schools.
This new format enabled participants from across the education community to share insights, ask questions, and engage in meaningful discussions, regardless of location. The event featured five inspiring talks delivered by respected members of the IRIS Connect community. These educational leaders shared powerful stories and practical strategies that are shaping the future of professional learning.
Following each talk, attendees joined breakout sessions, both on-site and virtually. These sessions provided a space to reflect on key messages, exchange experiences, and consider how the ideas presented could be applied within their own settings.
Jump Straight to your Desired Session
- Welcome by IRIS Connect by Andy Newell, IRIS Connect
- Protecting Agency in the Pursuit of Consistency by Dr. Chris Baker, Cabot Learning Federation
- Creating a Shared Language and Consistent Teaching Quality Across the Trust by Alex Hall & Matt Maynes, Hales Valley Trust
- Focusing on Each Teacher’s Needs: Shifting to a Personalised PD Model by Tejinder Deeks, Langley Heritage Primary
- Empowering Culture: Strategies for Building and Retaining Talent with IRIS Connect by Jamie Tegerdine, Delia Nicholson and Vicky Purdy, Diverse Academies Trust
Welcome by IRIS Connect
Andy Newell opened his talk by emphasising the core role of technique in effective teaching, explaining that expert teachers excel because they apply the right techniques for the right reasons at the right time, enabling them to meet the diverse needs of their students. He referenced research from My Teaching Partner and Teachstone, highlighting the optimal frequency of coaching cycles and the value of video as a “time machine” to revisit key moments and understand the decisions teachers made in the moment.
He also discussed how IRIS Connect’s Adaptive Pathways provide educators with the structure to explore key interactions, uncover mental models, and build technique in parallel. With the added benefit of AI, the platform helps save time by identifying key moments for focused discussion
Protecting Agency in the Pursuit of Consistency
Increasing the consistency of teaching is a valuable and understandable goal of schools but can result in superficial improvement and the erosion of expertise. In this talk we will explore approaches to T&L leadership that enable the creation of a ‘standardisation sweet spot’ which raises the quality of school and even trust wide T&L whilst protecting agency, engagement and adaptability.
Chris is the leader of T&L and Professional Development at the Cabot Learning Federation in the South West. Chris works with leaders to review and refine their T&L, PD and coaching processes.
Creating a Shared Language and Consistent Teaching Quality Across the Trust
by Alex Hall & Matt Maynes, Hales Valley Trust
Alex Hall and Matt Maynes from Hales Valley Trust shared their decade-long journey in building a shared language and consistent teaching quality across their trust. They discussed their collaboration with IRIS Connect, emphasising the challenges faced in ensuring consistent teaching practices across diverse schools. The session highlighted the evolution of their approach, using technology and structured frameworks to promote quality teaching and shared understanding. The speakers also underscored the importance of collaboration, engagement, and adaptation in achieving consistency in teaching quality.
Focusing on Each Teacher's Needs: Shifting to a Personalised PD Model
Tejinder Deeks from Langley Heritage Primary shared the journey of transforming professional development at her school, with a focus on personalised learning for teachers. She recounted the initial steps in 2018, when the school adopted new technologies like IRIS Connect to enhance PD. Tejinder Deeks emphasised the shift from traditional PD models to more personalised approaches, catering to each teacher’s individual needs. She highlighted the positive impact of using video feedback, collaborative tools, and reflection in fostering a more tailored and effective professional development experience for staff.
Empowering Culture: Strategies for Building and Retaining Talent with IRIS Connect
by Jamie Tegerdine, Delia Nicholson and Vicky Purdy, Diverse Academies Trust
Jamie Tegerdine, Delia Nicholson, and Stacey Aisthorpe from Diverse Academies Trust shared strategies for building and retaining talent through a strong coaching culture. They discussed the importance of creating teacher agency, emphasising how their work with IRIS Connect has helped improve retention by fostering an environment of collaboration and professional development. The session highlighted the longevity of their staff, with members staying at the trust for decades, reflecting the positive impact of their coaching culture. The speakers outlined key practices that have contributed to their success, including personalized coaching and a commitment to nurturing talent.
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