School business professionals: training and development

School business professionals (SBPs) lead the financial and operational management of schools and trusts. An SBP often has responsibility for a school’s or trust’s:

• operational leadership
• finance
• procurement
• estate management
• marketing and communications
• human resources

SBPs play a vital role in ensuring that the focus of a school or trust remains on improving educational outcomes.

Continued investment in their professional development and training is essential.

The Department for Education (DfE) currently provides training and development to SBPs working in local authority maintained schools and academy trusts.

There are also:

Qualification bursaries

We fund bursaries covering 75% of the cost for SBPs to complete the Level 7 Diploma in School Financial and Operational Leadership.

To be eligible for a bursary, you must be employed in a maintained school or an academy trust.

You must also confirm that:

• your employer endorses the training and will allow you the time to complete it
• you or your employer can meet the remaining cost of £915
• you can commit to the full duration of the course (about 12 months)

Bursaries are limited. If you wish to apply, email [email protected] for more information.

Training workshops

We fund in-person training workshops, delivered by the Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL).

These are available to trusts and regional network groups who would be interested in facilitating a workshop for their SBPs or colleagues within their region. The workshops run for up to 3 hours and are available for up to 30 attendees per session.

To find out more information on hosting a session, email [email protected] or [email protected].

SBP procurement and contract management training

CIPS Procurement Fundamentals training

The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Procurement Fundamentals training is a facilitated, one-day (6 hours) virtual workshop covering essential procurement processes and techniques. The training is particularly suitable for school business professionals undertaking procurement as part of their role and procurement specialists new to the role. It will provide all participants with an understanding of the fundamental principles of procurement.

We are now offering more fully-funded sessions across 10 dates in the summer term. Places are limited. Apply for a place using the DfE-funded CIPS Procurement Fundamentals training: application form.

Cabinet Office Contract Management training (foundation level)

You can access contract management foundation level training through the Government Commercial College. You will need to register to use the site.

Estate management: competency framework and relevant training

Guidance on the functions, skills, knowledge and training needed to manage the school estate. The Estate management competency framework helps schools to recruit and develop the essential levels of skills and competencies for estate management roles.

SBP mentoring

As part of the school resource management advisers (SRMA) programme, we offer a free one-to-one mentoring programme for SBPs.

This programme helps to build SBPs’ knowledge, ability and confidence through establishing a supportive peer-to-peer relationship with experienced professionals.

Places are limited. Email [email protected] for more information.

Further sources of training and development

The following organisations provide training and development for school and trust leaders:

This list is not exhaustive. Other organisations provide training and support that may meet your needs.