In almost every country in the world, education is managed thorough local government education departments.  These can be at the level of municipalities, regions, districts or principalities but they all have attributes in common.  One of these things is that there is a Chief Education Officer role - perhaps a politically appointed Secretary, perhaps a Director of Schools, perhaps a Schools' Superintendent of a Schools' Administrator.

In many cases, this role has traditionally been an administrative one - to manage school buildings, employ staff and ensure finances are administered properly. Increasing recognition of the importance of this role now means that these Directors of Education Services are however increasingly being held accountable for educational standards. This conference provides support to these new Leaders of Education Services - policy makers, superintendents, administrators and leaders who wish to explore ways to improve their education system.