School leaders’ union NAHT has announced a new partnership with The Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL), in response to the growing role of school business leaders.
A joint conference is being planned for next year and members who join both NAHT and ISBL will receive a 25 per cent discount on each membership.
School business leaders are the unsung heroes of school finances
The organisations also plan to set aside a joint bursary fund, to allow joint members to undertake continuing professional development and training.
The growing importance of school business leaders has prompted the joint membership programme, with the aim of improving representation and support for this established group of school leaders.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of NAHT (pictured right), said the new joint offer will “properly recognise the status of school business leaders for the first time”, and will provide them with the “protection, advice and support” they need in the current climate.
“School business leaders are the unsung heroes of school finances,” he said.
“It is their job to balance the books, and they are right at the centre of the increasing financial pressure on schools.
“Their job has never been more difficult or more vital, and more and more of them tell me that they are having sleepless nights over the state of their school’s budget.”
Stephen Morales, ISBL chief executive, said the organisations will work together to “set the standards for school business excellence”.
“If the school-led system is to succeed it is going to need financial and operations leaders with the skills and experience to work autonomously without significant local authority support.
“ISBL is committed to helping all school business professionals prevail in this new landscape, from entry through to executive leadership.”
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