How can school business professional networks connect school leaders?

Business professionals working in schools can join or create a school business professional network to help them to connect and share information

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on gov.uk

The school business professional networks directory includes groups that provide peer-to-peer support to help with a broad range of work-related activities, including buying for schools. You can find potential networks by regional group – however, inclusion in the directory does not constitute a recommendation by the Department for Education.

All levels of staff can benefit from being part of a network. A network offers many opportunities, including:

• sharing experience and best practice between members and the wider school sector;
• creating an on-call community to resolve problems quickly, saving time and money;
• getting better value for money by buying together;
• sharing local benchmarking data;
• linking to wider local, regional and national networks;
• supporting innovation;
• being a communication channel between school business professionals, professional bodies and DfE;
• promoting local opportunities and providing peer support for members.

To find a school business professional network directory, click here.