Philip WoodPhil Wood is a Professor in Education at the Nottingham Institute of Education, Children and Youth, Nottingham Trent University. His teaching is focused on educational leadership, organisation and governance as well as educational futures. Phil’s research interests are focused on educational change, including the intersection of leadership, organisation and teacher work and how we might develop more humane and sustainable contexts for education. This research is being developed through the lens of process philosophy which stresses the complex and fluid nature of humans and their activity. Current projects include the development of the concept of promotive organisations where leaders and others focus on human flourishing as the core organising principle in educational contexts as well as concluding a large scale longitudinal project focusing on the experiences of teacher educators and teacher educator leaders since the end of the pandemic. His wider work explores questions of belonging, trust, responsibility and professional agency within educational organisations, with a particular interest in how schools and universities can become places that support collective flourishing in conditions of environmental sustainability, complexity and change.
Following ten years working in secondary schools as a geography teacher, departmental lead and advanced skills teacher, Phil moved into higher education at the University of Leicester as an initial teacher education lecturer, eventually leading a Secondary PGCE programme before going on to lead two masters programmes focusing on international education. From Leicester, Phil moved to Bishop Grosseteste University where he was in charge of doctoral programmes and researcher development. He also joined the editorial board of Management in Education, a role he still holds. It was also during this period that Phil began to focus his research on the interactions between leadership and organisation. Alongside his academic roles, he has worked with schools, trusts and educational leaders, supporting organisational and leader development through research-informed approaches to organisational change. He has also completed research projects focusing on workload in schools and universities to support sustainable leadership. This engagement ensures his work remains grounded in the realities of educational practice.
Phil is a member of the BELMAS blog editorial team and a co-convenor of the Organisational Reform RIG. He also sits on the BELMAS Doctoral Thesis Award panel. Through these roles he contributes to the development of educational leadership scholarship and supports emerging researchers across the field, fostering critical dialogue about the future of education and educational organisations.
As Professor of Education at Nottingham Trent University, my teaching and research focuses on educational change, particularly through educational leadership, organisational development, and educational futures. A central feature of my work examines the relationship between leadership, organisation and the lived experiences of educators, particularly during periods of significant change and uncertainty.
My research increasingly explores how educational organisations can become more humane, sustainable and flourishing-centred places for both staff and learners. Drawing on process philosophy, I am currently developing work around the concept of promotive organisations, exploring how leadership can support ecological human flourishing within organisational contexts . These interests align closely with BELMAS’s commitment to advancing knowledge and understanding of educational leadership and management while supporting those who work across the field.
Alongside my academic work, I bring extensive practical leadership experience. Prior to entering higher education, I spent ten years in secondary schools as a teacher, departmental leader and Advanced Skills Teacher. Within higher education I have led teacher education programmes, master’s programmes in international education, doctoral provision and researcher development. These experiences have provided me with insight into leadership at multiple levels and across diverse educational contexts, enabling me to appreciate the opportunities and challenges faced by practitioners, researchers and policy-makers alike.
BELMAS has played an important role in my own academic and professional development and I have sought to contribute actively to the Society’s work. I am currently a member of the BELMAS blog editorial team, co-convenor of the Organisational Reform Research Interest Group and a member of the BELMAS Doctoral Thesis Award panel. Through these roles I have supported opportunities for scholarly dialogue, practitioner engagement and the development of emerging researchers. I value the inclusive and collegial culture of BELMAS and believe strongly in the importance of creating spaces where members at all career stages can contribute, learn and thrive.
If elected as a Trustee, I would seek to contribute strategically to the continued development of the Society while ensuring that the interests of members remain at the centre of decision-making. I would be particularly keen to support initiatives that strengthen engagement across different membership groups, encourage participation from early career researchers and practitioners, and foster collaboration between research, policy and practice communities. I would also welcome opportunities to support the Society’s work around leadership development, organisational reform and the promotion of diverse perspectives within educational leadership scholarship.
The values I would bring to the Trustee role are those of integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and intellectual curiosity. I believe that leadership is fundamentally about creating the conditions in which others can flourish and succeed. These values align strongly with the principles of charity governance, the Nolan Principles and the broader mission of BELMAS. I would be honoured to contribute my experience, expertise and commitment to supporting the Society’s continued success and ensuring that it remains a vibrant and influential community for all its members.
