We Are Every, a leading provider of compliance and HR management solutions for the education sector, discusses how to unlock opportunities by digitising processes
You don’t need us to tell you that the COVID-19 pandemic fast-tracked the adoption of technology within the education sector. Virtually overnight – no pun intended – the remote classroom became mainstream, with teachers forced to transform lessons from physical to digital nature. Though delivery issues seemed to dominate the headlines – ranging from network problems to accessibility – e-teaching, on the whole, managed, to sustain some form of ‘normal’ and consistency during an unpredictable time.
Fast-forward to the present day and most teachers are now back at the front of the classroom delivering lessons face-to-face rather than through a screen – but what about the ‘engine room’ staff? The HR teams battling to onboard new staff members remotely, the office teams suddenly unable to access and update crucial policy documents stored on-site? What have we learnt to ensure all aspects of education are remodelled for the next stage of ‘normal’?
The driving force behind digitalisation
The pandemic accelerated the realisation of a rather ugly truth; unless sufficiently digitised, crucial school systems and processes that are relied upon to ensure the smooth running of a school can wreak absolute havoc. There’s a long list of digital systems already in play at schools up and down the country; from management information systems to compliance trackers, ediech’s popularity is gathering some pace.
And for good reason. Software doesn’t just give organisations the ability to deliver a vital service, no matter the circumstances; it also unlocks a plethora of potential, from more informed decision-making processes to resource-saving activities – all whilst working to highlight inefficiencies and promote more streamlined workflows.
Centralising information for streamlined activities
Looking at multi-academy trusts offers one of the simplest ways to see the scope of the need. As trusts increase in size and incorporate more sites, so too does the number of staff, students, and the operations trust staff are responsible for managing.
Take condition surveys, for example. Comparing results from multiple sites to determine priority for works is a comprehensive task in itself, not least when each survey is logged on to a different system! Add to this different access information and/or surveys physically stored at multiple sites, and you begin to realise the time-consuming nature of dealing with numerous systems.
Hosting just one exercise, such as this, on a centralised system not only enhances time management but also offers the invaluable possibility of accurate analysis and strategic decision-making. The ability to access, and directly compare, many survey results in one place strengthens the visibility of the condition of sites together, helping to drive more compliant practices.
Removing arduous administrative tasks
Having data readily available within a single source lessens the painful nature of navigating outdated, clunky desktop systems; suddenly, administrative tasks don’t feel as arduous, and genuine, effective results are available much faster.
What’s more, the intelligent nature of a digital system helps to water two plants with one hose (if not more!) Information is stored securely, and changes or updates to data are often easily-tracked, producing reliable evidence trails – so, say you need to check whether or not actions against a survey carried out six months or, even six years, ago are on track, you can quickly filter for this information.
Now is the time
Whilst the phrase ‘edtech’ may appear daunting at first, it’s important to remember that we all utilise technology in almost all areas of life – so why not sufficiently within education? As workflows increase – we need only name the daily recruitment battle – there’s never been a better time to explore how digital systems and software could make a difference to your organisation.
MIS, HR systems, compliance managers; they’re so much more than just ‘computer systems’. They’re fast becoming imperative to the future school, increasing the visibility and accuracy of tasks to provide assurance that organisations are running as optimally and effectively as possible.
They say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade – and when life gives you edtech? Make improvements, uncover opportunities and increase efficiencies.
About Every:
Every is a leading provider of compliance and human resources management solutions for the education sector. Their easy to use, practical, software empowers better decision-making and more efficient ways of working across schools and multi-academy trusts nationwide.
To find out more, come and chat to We are Every at EdExec LIVE South in London on 9th June 2022 or NORTH in Manchester on 6th October. Book your tickets here!
To register your interest for free or discounted tickets email [email protected] quoting the subject line ‘I want to learn more at EdExec LIVE!’
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