Navigating the Future of CPD in School Business Leadership

In this final article in her recent series, Val Andrew reflects on government announcements about upcoming changes to the support for SBL CPD

Sadly, what we are learning is that this “new” government is working at a snail’s pace in many areas associated with the education sector. Whilst I remain optimistic, it looks unlikely there will be any major changes in the short term, which is frustrating but clearly driven by a lack of funding. I do know there are reviews afoot which could impact on some training being offered across the sector so “watch this space”.

CPD Choices

It’s probably worth reminding readers of what is currently available now, so those who are new to the role or aspiring to a career in school business management/leadership understand the CPD options they can choose from. The choices are between accredited qualifications and other training, some of which will be accredited officially and some won’t. There is useful information available via the ISBL website also by using their career pathways information. Local SBM networks are also a good source of information about training that’s available more locally – so it’s well worth being a part of those networks.

The DfE have a dedicated team reviewing the data provided by training organisations which reinforces that the DSBM Level 4 is by far the most popular foundation level programme for new-to-role and aspiring school business professionals. Some qualifications and apprenticeship programmes are no longer available e.g. DSBM Level 5 has been withdrawn. It’s also clear that there are training providers that are reviewing the sustainability of offering some programmes which are now also being withdrawn. As a member of the national SBP Training and Development Board I am aware that further options are being investigated, particularly to provide a “springboard” between the current Level 4 programmes and higher level 6 and 7 courses. Again – watch this space!

Building Your Base

In essence, a foundation level course, such as the DSBM Level 4, provides a good base on which to build ongoing professional development for practitioners and beyond that, depending on how much specialisation is required (for those working in groups of schools e.g. federations or MATs), there are various routes offering more focused training opportunities. It’s important to be clear about the direction you want your own career to take but also to be mindful of the current needs of your own school setting. Some practitioners will want incremental qualifications and others won’t. Some may just need to refresh their skills to keep abreast of changes to systems, processes and regulations. I talked about how to assess your own needs in an earlier article.

It’s also important to be able to link any development undertaken back to the ISBL professional standards. They are the only set of standards we have to support our profession and whilst they are not mandatory, they provide a sound basis on which you can benchmark where you are now in terms of skills and expertise and where you aspire to be in the future.

Keeping Skills Fit for Purpose

In my first piece back in the spring of last year, I reminded readers about the importance of ongoing professional development for school business professionals because it’s imperative that we keep our skills fit for purpose. Over the years I have seen firsthand how empowering CPD can be and how it can develop confidence alongside technical skills.

Similarly to when I started out in my career, the sector continues to suffer the challenges associated with funding pressures which inevitably lead to staffing reviews and it’s frustrating that 25 years later, we still hear that some members of our profession are fighting to justify their roles. CPD won’t prevent that but being an all-rounder with a good set of key skills, having demonstrated a commitment to and a proactivity in your own quests to keep your skills updated and fit for purpose, will mean you are well placed if the worst happens, and you find yourself looking for another post.

Remember too – that the characteristics of good professional development include being rich in content, relevant to both personal AND professional needs, practice focused, with a degree of challenge and importantly a focus on sustainability. As practitioners we know that budgets are planned 3-5 years hence, so why shouldn’t we be focused on the same timelines when it comes to our own development. Having a robust short-, medium- and longer-term plan with certain caveats should stand you in good stead for the future.