Cultivating the Next Generation of School Business Leaders

In light of concerns that 35% of current school business leaders may leave the profession within five years, Tarina Chow talks about cultivating a succession plan for a sustainable future

In the face of the alarming prospect that 35% of current school business leaders are considering exiting the profession within the next half-decade, the question arises: How do we cultivate a succession plan that nurtures Gen Z and millennials, who are projected to constitute nearly 60% of the workforce by 2030, into future school business leaders?

Strategic Planning

As incumbent leaders, it’s crucial that we construct a workplace that caters not just to the present, but also to the future. A recruitment strategy alongside a staff development programme should be developed that considers the aspirations of the upcoming workforce generation. Remember Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategies to recruit talent based on skill set as well as education.

Technological Integration

The integration of technology will be a pivotal aspect, as this is a domain that will draw in future employees who are proficient in leveraging technology to instigate process changes via IT solutions. This generation will be skilled in AI utilisation and will increasingly incorporate this in office functions. High-speed Wi-Fi, top-quality laptops and IT process solutions will be essential in attracting the next generation to schools. Using social media to reach prospective talent and harnessing their seamless skills in this area when you have recruited new talent

Hybrid Working

The forthcoming generation of school business leaders appreciate their office time, but they will consider a remote work environment as legitimate as being in the office. They should have the option to work in the office but also have the flexibility to work from home when necessary and to recruit its worth investing in the flexible working arrangements your school has as a unique selling point.

Environment and Wellbeing

While schools may not always be perceived as exciting spaces, we can transform them into welcoming environments for future generations by creating areas dedicated to wellbeing, such as staff sensory gardens, gyms, workspaces that support wellbeing.

Sustainability

With the Department for Education (DFE) and our schools poised to become global leaders in sustainability, it’s vital to note that our next generation of school business leaders are passionate about this. The sustainability of your school and your commitment to achieving Net Zero will be key factors in attracting talent.

Developing Business Leadership Skills

Creating an environment that encourages people to join schools is crucial. We’re all aware that the remuneration for school business leaders varies. Perhaps we could consider making the role available all year round to attract more Gen Z and millennials to the profession. We should ensure that there is Apprenticeships in school business leadership are highly effective at developing knowledge across the key areas we work in. It’s important to foster a learning culture and share your passion and knowledge with your staff.

It’s important to empower the next generation to feel that they are making a difference, provide opportunities to undertake key roles such as sustainability initiatives, digital or social media leads for example. Aim to provide opportunities for leadership training, such as attending governing body meetings and having regular coaching or mentoring sessions. Immerse your next generation in everything that you do as a business leader. The more experience and knowledge you share, the more you develop a workforce that is ready for the joy and chaos that being a school business leader brings.

Finally, acknowledge that they will move on, there is no prouder moment than watching someone you’ve trained and mentored soar. Our future school business leaders connect learning to success and each role is a rung on their career ladder.  So, create a culture of learning, development and growth for them to succeed in a tech-rich and sustainable environment.  We are a passionate team of school business leaders, and we need to ensure that there are enough new leaders to create a sustainable future for our vital profession.