Time to change

NAHT explains the importance of union membership – particularly in the current climate

School business leaders are the unsung heroes of change in school. During a time of increasing financial pressure on schools it is their job to balance resources with the needs of the pupils. Their job has never been more difficult – or more vital. It is, therefore, critical that SBLs have the support and protection of a strong union.
NAHT is the largest union for leaders in education – including SBLs – and we work hard to represent them, alongside heads and deputies. It’s crucial that SBLs are viewed as the leaders they are, and that their experiences, concerns and needs are listened to.
Personal and professional development
NAHT’s professional and personal development paths, expertise and legal protection support SBLs and their career journeys by providing:

• expert resources, information and guidance on up-to-date key issues
• dedicated legal protection and advice from specialist advisers with 1:1 telephone guidance
• access to a like-minded community of more than 40,000 members
• bespoke conferences with the opportunity to share experiences, listen to key educational leadership speakers and join debates with peers and seniors
• a focused and respected voice through lobbying and consultation with key decision-makers

The SBL council
NAHT’s SBL council is made up of school business leaders from across all sectors and types of schools. Under their guidance we have campaigned for pay parity and recognition for SBLs comparable to other senior leaders in schools, and progress has been made over the years to make it more equitable.
We have also fought fiercely for several years now to make the school funding crisis a mainstream issue. During the last general election school funding was the third most important issue for voters – and 750,000 of them switched support as a result of school funding cuts. We will remain bold on this issue – one that is fundamental to the role of SBLs – and keep pressure on the government to find more money for schools.
Pushing forward collaboratively
NAHT works hand-in-hand with the Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL) and we have worked together to develop a new set of qualifications – one that schools can use apprenticeship levy funding for.
NAHT and ISBL have a joint membership offer and are planning special training and events for joint members. Joining both organisations gets you a 25% discount on both memberships; to take advantage of combined, discounted membership apply at naht.org.uk/join25 and enter the code NAHTISBL25.
Our joint offer will properly recognise the status of SBLs and provide them with the protection, advice and support that they need – especially in the current climate. NAHT gives you the benefits of a trade union, supporting you through the best and most challenging times of your career, from the start of your leadership journey to your retirement years.
We are proud to work with our current members, who enable our strength and depth of voice, and we invite and encourage new members to help us make our combined voice and community stronger.
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, or connect with us on LinkedIn!