'System leadership' (defined as 'leading beyond a single institution') is a feature of the English education system which has been heralded as both the solution to school improvement and an extension to the school leadership career ladder. However, claims that it evidences a change of governance towards increasing self-regulation of the education system are contested. Susan Cousin explores the governance and policy perspectives of system leadership. She captures rich narratives over several years from the lived experience of system leaders, headteachers they worked with and those brokering the relationships. The daily realities of the challenges they faced include tensions arising from conflicted governance environments where autonomy coexists with accountability and collaboration with competition. Identifying four types of system leader: the Hero-head, the Auditor, the Protector and the Collaborator, she presents a conceptual model of system leadership practice. A clear explanation of how different approaches affect power relationships, the nature of trust and types of learning, the model can be used to inform decisions made by current and future system leaders, and those who make policy. The book concludes by reaffirming the power of system leadership to deliver educational reform and the need to avoid unintended consequences including the fragmentation of the system and increased inequality.

This enlightening and reflective guide studies the psychological impact of racism and discrimination on BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) people and offers steps to improve wellbeing. It includes definitions of race, racism and other commonly used terms, such as microaggressions, and evaluates the effect of definitions used to describe BAME people. Each chapter of the book focusses on one category of wellbeing - self-acceptance, personal growth, purpose in life, positive relations with others, environmental mastery, autonomy - and includes case examples, spaces for reflection and practical, creative exercises. For use as a tool within counselling and therapeutic settings as well as a self-help tool by individuals, each category provides a framework for thinking about how to manage everyday racism, live with more resilience, and thrive.

'System leadership' (defined as 'leading beyond a single institution') is a feature of the English education system which has been heralded as both the solution to school improvement and an extension to the school leadership career ladder. However, claims that it evidences a change of governance towards increasing self-regulation of the education system are contested. Susan Cousin explores the governance and policy perspectives of system leadership. She captures rich narratives over several years from the lived experience of system leaders, headteachers they worked with and those brokering the relationships. The daily realities of the challenges they faced include tensions arising from conflicted governance environments where autonomy coexists with accountability and collaboration with competition. Identifying four types of system leader: the Hero-head, the Auditor, the Protector and the Collaborator, she presents a conceptual model of system leadership practice. A clear explanation of how different approaches affect power relationships, the nature of trust and types of learning, the model can be used to inform decisions made by current and future system leaders, and those who make policy. The book concludes by reaffirming the power of system leadership to deliver educational reform and the need to avoid unintended consequences including the fragmentation of the system and increased inequality.