Business Management 'health check'

Available for maintained schools only

The role of the Business Manager has continued to expand as schools receive less support from Local Authorities and are now required to cover the key non-teaching disciplines of Finance, Human Resources and Facilities Management. The role is different in every school, and it often also accompanies responsibilities for health and safety, IT support, income generation, bid writing, overseeing governance matters as well as leadership and management of support staff.

Headteachers and senior leaders simply do not have the time to check the detail of processes and procedures to ensure they continue to be fit for purpose.

Schools can choose whether they would like a full health check of all areas – or if preferred, the work can be undertaken in modules as follows:

1. Finance

2. Human Resources

3. Facilities & Health and Safety including Risk Assessment

In all cases a review will be undertaken of the school’s current policies and web site to ensure they meet statutory requirements.

A consultant from SMS will meet key school staff and governors (if appropriate) on site to discuss the work plan. A structured review of relevant current documentation and processes will be undertaken both on and off site, following which a report will be produced including an action plan.

Schools find this service particularly useful when they are expecting an external or Local Authority audit, or when there is a change in key personnel. A health check can be substituted for one or more of the scheduled SLA visits for no additional cost.

PRICE: All 3 modules: schools with SLA - £1,100; without SLA - £1,300

Individual modules: schools with SLA £500; without SLA - £600

Additional services

Where shortcomings are identified, SMS can provide further support to assist schools achieve compliance if required. This includes for example

1. writing and updating statutory policies including finance procedures

2. production of material for the school’s web site

3. reviewing office structures & production of job descriptions

4. reviewing governance arrangements.

PRICE: £ quotation on request, according to agreed work programme