12
sector SPONSORED FEATURE
Ever feel like a lone island? You’re not alone. ASCL business management specialist VAL ANDREW explains why networking is such an important skill for the profession
s the dire economic situation continues – compounded by the downgrading of the UK’s precious AAA rating – and the financial situation of many schools in our system deteriorates, business managers everywhere are increasingly concerned about the implementation of the Government’s new “fair” funding formula, at a time when the end to the pay freeze is looming in 2014, and pension contributions are on the increase – nobody is sure what the next Comprehensive Spending Review will look like – all very depressing! Factoring into this the increasing diversity within the role – both for business management professionals working in academies, with the autonomy that brings, or taking on more as LAs find it harder to sustain the delivery of traditionally managed services – many colleagues in the profession have seen their workloads increase significantly. It’s therefore getting much harder to justify either the time out of school, or the cost of attending courses, conferences or any CPD events at the same level as in previous years. Yet networking has never been more important for business
A
The social network
management colleagues in terms of an invaluable support mechanism. In the ‘good old days’, many local authorities facilitated these networking groups, but their capacity to do this has declined, leaving some groups floundering without that local encouragement. Equally it’s apparent that there are some regional groups going from strength to strength, with vibrant cross-phase membership, developing their own websites, holding their own local conferences, and looking at innovative ways of inviting sponsors to cover the cost of their meetings and events, so that they can continue to support each other in these difficult times. As the business management roles continue to evolve, it’s never been so important to seize opportunities to share good practice, get advice from others about handling difficult situations, develop structured CPD opportunities to help keep skills up to date and fit for purpose, or engage in some worthwhile joint procurement initiatives.
As part of my role within ASCL, I am keen to support the ongoing development of these networking groups. ASCL’s Fourth Annual Business Management Conference, taking place on 6 June this year, has a theme of ‘Challenge or Opportunity?’ with a keynote presentation on networking.
Continuing the networking theme – I receive publications from various international organisations about issues for educational business management professionals, and studying these it is apparent that the challenges (or opportunities) we’re faced with are not unique. Dealing with striking teachers in the USA, juggling tight budgets in Australia, and managing difficult staff in the Western Cape, South Africa – sound familiar?
Contemplating international networking has become much easier with technological advances, and needn’t necessarily mean trips overseas that are too expensive to contemplate right now. Apart from the obvious advantages of sharing good practice and ideas within our profession, there can be benefits for the students if overseas contacts develop into real international school partnerships driving the agenda for global citizenship. Equally, the development of international recognition for the school-based business management professional could have significant advantages. The qualifications developed by the National College underpin our profession and are available in various countries overseas – from a basic level through to masters level. They bridge those international barriers, making it possible for school business management to become an internationally recognised profession – dare I say like teachers, accountants, lawyers, etc. If you are interested in hearing more about networking either on a regional, national or international level, we are offering a workshop at the June conference to explore the possibilities. Places at the conference are limited – so don’t leave it too late to book yours – visit
http://www.ascl.org.uk/PD/ conferences/contents.
april 2013 \
www.edexec.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52