Sometimes, to know where we are going, we must know where we have been. Kevin Parker reflects on his journey from school governor to CFO of a Catholic Multi-Academy Trust, highlighting the pivotal role of continuous professional development in shaping his career
As I reflect on my career journey, which has taken me from a school business manager in a small, one-form entry, Local Authority maintained school in a Cotswold village to my current position as chief financial officer for a Catholic Multi-Academy Trust, I’ve come to appreciate the critical importance of continuous professional development in education. My path has been shaped by a combination of formal qualifications, practical experience and invaluable networking opportunities. Each step has added a layer of knowledge, insight and understanding that has been instrumental in my growth and success.
The Journey Begins
My journey began as a volunteer school governor in my early days, long before I became an SBM. I can still remember the sense of purpose I felt in supporting the school, even before stepping into a role of SBM. Volunteering as a governor allowed me to see the inner workings of school governance from a strategic standpoint.
It was invaluable in providing a broad understanding of school operations and the importance of financial stewardship, budgeting and decision-making. It gave me a sense of what would be expected of me once I moved into the role, and most importantly, it allowed me to build relationships with people who were already working in the education sector. I believe that early exposure to governance provided me with the confidence and perspective I needed when I started my professional career.
Enhancing Skills
The next pivotal moment in my professional development came when I embarked on the AAT Level 2 qualification. At the time, I was working as an SBM in a small primary school, and I wanted to enhance my financial skills. The AAT Level 2 was the perfect entry-level qualification that laid the foundation for my understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting and budgeting. While I wasn’t yet managing large-scale budgets or dealing with complex financial systems, the qualification gave me the solid grounding I needed to understand the basic financial processes that underpin school operations.
It gave me the confidence to speak the language of finance and, most importantly, it demystified the numbers for me. It was an important first step, and one I look back on with fondness because it helped me realise that I could transition into a business management role with the right training and support.
Building a Network
Networking has also played a huge role in my CPD. In my early days as an SBM, I joined a network group for school business managers (GASBM, Twitter/X and LinkedIn), and this was a real game-changer for me. These networks provided opportunities to learn from some of the best and most experienced professionals in the field. The value of being part of these discussions cannot be overstated. Through this network, I gained insight into the day-to-day challenges of school business management, as well as practical strategies for overcoming them. I learned best practices, discovered new resources and had the opportunity to troubleshoot issues with colleagues who understood the unique pressures of the job.
The ability to have open discussions and learn from others’ experiences, both successes and failures, shaped my approach to decision-making and helped me to develop a much more rounded skill set.
Forward Progression
A significant milestone in my CPD journey came when I decided to complete my Level 4 SBM Diploma (via the apprenticeship levy). This diploma was an invaluable experience that allowed me to delve deeper into the strategic side of school business management. The apprenticeship model was ideal because it provided both theoretical learning and practical, on-the-job experience. Working with a mentor, I was able to apply what I learned directly to my role, and this made the learning process much more meaningful and impactful.
It also gave me the opportunity to develop my leadership skills, particularly in terms of managing teams and collaborating with senior leadership teams. The process was intense, but the payoff was worth it. I came out of the apprenticeship with not just a qualification, but a much greater sense of competence and confidence in my role.
Looking Ahead
As I progressed in my career, the responsibilities increased, and the scale of the budgets and decisions I had to manage grew. This led me to my current role as CFO of a Catholic MAT, consisting of six academies. This role has required a more sophisticated understanding of financial strategy, governance and business operations. But it is also a role that has shown me the importance of leadership beyond the numbers. The complexities of managing a MAT demand a high level of strategic thinking and collaboration across multiple schools. As part of the executive team, I have been able to drive forward a vision for growth and sustainability, ensuring that resources are used effectively to improve educational outcomes.
Looking ahead, I know that my professional development journey is far from over. One of the key next steps I have identified is pursuing the Level 7 SBM qualification. This is something I am particularly excited about, as it represents a chance to further develop my strategic leadership skills and gain a more in-depth understanding of the policy and governance elements of school leadership. However, there is a slight irony in this next step: as I pursue this qualification, I am acutely aware that with a young family and a new job, I must not run before I can walk.
Balancing a full-time job with family commitments means that I need to approach this next step thoughtfully and at a pace that is manageable. The prospect of continuing my learning and growth is incredibly motivating, but I know that I need to make sure I am not taking on too much at once.
In conclusion, CPD has been the cornerstone of my career development. Each step along the way, from my early days as a volunteer governor to my current role as CFO, has been shaped by a commitment to learning and self-improvement. Through formal qualifications, professional networks and hands-on experience, I have built a strong foundation that has enabled me to grow and succeed. I look forward to the next chapter in my journey, knowing that there will always be more to learn, and more opportunities to network, collaborate and innovate in the world of school business management.
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