“Lisa has given me the structure and space to hear myself in the noisiest of times. The trust that has grown through our sessions together has made the daily challenges I face manageable to work through. It gives me time to pause, wonder and discuss which has supported me both professionally and personally. Supervision is a vital part of my Headship and makes such a remarkable impact on all that I do and am.”

Jane Bird. Headteacher, Plymouth.

I feel passionately that supervision is essential for senior leaders in schools. We constantly hold so much in our heads and are expected to be all things to all people when they need it. It is important that we have a confidential opportunity to give quality time to the issues that keep us awake night after night. Supervision has helped me to keep things in perspective and explore creative solutions to some of the problems where I haven’t been able to see the wood for the trees. I cannot recommend professional supervision highly enough.

DB CP, Devon

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the wellbeing of school leaders across Gateshead, the Schools Health and Wellbeing Service (SHWS), within Gateshead Council, recently developed and administered a bespoke Head Teacher Wellbeing Survey. The findings highlighted a clear need for dedicated supervision support for our head teacher colleagues. In response, we launched a pilot supervision programme, initially involving 10 head teachers, and partnered with Talking Heads Ltd to deliver this vital support.

From the outset, Talking Heads have been exceptional collaborators. They have demonstrated unwavering professionalism, flexibility, and a genuine passion for supporting the wellbeing of educational professionals. Their team has guided us every step of the way—offering expert advice on supervision models, co-delivering an informative session for head teachers, and even contributing to the design of our programme evaluation. Communication has been seamless, and their human, empathetic approach has made them a pleasure to work with.  What stands out most is how closely our values align. Talking Heads share our moral compass and commitment to nurturing the wellbeing of those who lead our schools. Their contribution has been instrumental in bringing this pilot to life, and we look forward to continuing our work together

Alex Perkins, Gateshead Council

“I am approaching the 2 year anniversary of my first supervision session with Gloria. In that time I have brought a range of challenges, that I have faced in both my professional and personal life, to our meetings. Gloria has provided a quiet and reflective environment which has permitted me to discuss my concerns in a sensitive and considerate way. Generally I do not consider myself a ‘sharer’ so the way that Gloria has helped me to unwrap my thoughts and organise them is distinctly to her credit. This process has always provided just the right balance between listening, questioning and challenging as she has expertly allowed me to clarify my ideas and worries and frame them in a practical manner. I leave every meeting, astonished at her ability to empathise with every possible situation and to gently guide my thoughts towards practical responses. The situation I am working through at the moment is especially challenging and has prompted me to write this statement, to thank Gloria for her wisdom and in the hope that other professionals take up similar opportunities for supervision if they get the chance.”

Matt Smith, Assistant Principal, Sixth Form College Farnborough

Our Trust began to use Talking Heads Supervision after the pandemic. It was something I felt we had a responsibility to provide to meet our duty of care to Head Teachers and senior leaders in our Trust. I didn’t feel that I needed supervision myself, but felt I should lead by example.

During the last few years, I have found supervision sessions with Lisa extremely helpful. She has encouraged me to reflect, which is something I don’t naturally do. This has helped me talk through difficult decisions, manage my emotions and plan for change.

Most recently she has been an incredible support in preparing me for the end of my career. I have really appreciated her support and challenge in being kind to myself and to allow myself to appreciate the words and messages from colleagues and friends. It has been a lovely ending!

Thank you to Lisa and her team for guiding and supporting us all through the school year.

Carolyn Morgan, Former CEO, Ascent Academies' Trust

I feel passionately that supervision is essential for senior leaders in schools. We constantly hold so much in our heads and are expected to be all things to all people when they need it. It is important that we have a confidential opportunity to give quality time to the issues that keep us awake night after night. Supervision has helped me to keep things in perspective and explore creative solutions to some of the problems where I haven’t been able to see the wood for the trees. I cannot recommend professional supervision highly enough.

DB CP, Devon

Launa: I asked a school leader to summarise in 3 words a working day.

“Busy, varied & problem solving.”

Launa: So………what is the impact of Talking Heads?

“Thinking Reflective Enabling”

Launa: This is beyond valuable.

Launa Randles, Headteacher, The Children’s Trust School

Supervision is a time A moment A space; A reflective tool- A time, A place. Somewhere to sit To feel To get clear; Or give questions and thoughts To be heard- And to hear. To emotionally catch And be caught…. Where you are; Knowing your supervisor holds you safe In their heart … Giving you more time to gift And to make: And to be the best you Through every corner Lifework takes.

Tania, DHT

Thoughts on clinical supervision…. Entering into it for the first time I struggled to understand how it would be different from leadership coaching…. It is different. For the first time last month, during a particularly stressful time, I looked for when the next session was in my diary. Being supervised effectively gives emotional support just by knowing you have a session coming up when you will have an opportunity to share. With a good supervisor, it is comforting to hear the issues you bring are common among leaders of schools and my emotional response is rational to the situation I find myself in. Kind regards Pete

Pete (Executive Principal), Devon

Our Values

We believe we should all want to be held ethically accountable, both inside ourselves and within the organisations, we work with.

We believe in compassion for ourselves, others and within the supervisory relationship.

We are committed to long-term and bespoke work and learning, with you.

Honesty, integrity and humility are at the heart of the work we do and the essence of our learning together as a team.