From pandemics to policy shifts, schools know better than most that change is always just around the corner
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared in SME Today
School business leaders know better than most that disruption can strike at any time. Whether it’s political upheaval, a cyberattack, supply chain issues, or even another global crisis, schools need to be ready to respond quickly. That’s why continuity planning is becoming a vital part of effective school leadership.
In fact, new research shows that 85% of organisations now have a continuity plan in place, up from just 56% in 2015. Even more encouraging is that four in five plans are up to date, reflecting a shift from simply creating documents to actively maintaining them.
The trend extends further too: 92% now have IT disaster recovery plans, 82% have crisis management strategies and 80% have crisis communications protocols. The message is clear: continuity planning is becoming an embedded part of organisational resilience. But is this shift fuelled by readiness for change or pure panic?
A Volatile World Demands Preparedness
The last decade has shown that disruption is no longer the exception but the rule. Schools have had to navigate global pandemics, staff shortages and sudden policy shifts, all while adapting to the rapid rise of new technologies such as AI. The political and social environment continues to shift too, meaning schools must plan for scenarios that were barely imaginable just a few years ago. Not forgetting that all of this constant change has taken a toll on the people holding schools together. For many staff, it feels like they are expected to adapt endlessly without the breathing space to recover.
Building Continuity Confidence
For school business leaders, who often work independently in their role and juggle a wide range of responsibilities, it can be difficult to bring all the moving pieces together. As a result, while continuity plans may get written, they are sometimes left untested.
To make progress, SBLs can focus on practical, manageable steps:
Start With the Essentials
When time and resources are limited, the best approach is to prioritise. Focus first on the areas that would have the biggest impact if disrupted. In a school setting, this might mean safeguarding pupils, making sure payroll is protected so staff are paid on time and ensuring IT systems remain available to support teaching and learning. Once these foundations are covered, other processes can be addressed gradually.
Collaborate with others
No school business leader should feel they have to manage continuity planning in isolation. Local networks, trusts, or professional groups often have resources and templates that can be adapted, rather than starting from scratch. Joint exercises with nearby schools can also provide valuable practice at very little cost, while sharing ideas with peers helps spread the workload and ensures plans are rooted in real-world experience.
Prioritise communication
During any disruption, clear and timely communication can make the biggest difference. A straightforward crisis communication plan, outlining who needs to be informed, how and when, ensures staff, parents and pupils are not left in the dark.
Review regularly
A continuity plan is only useful if it reflects the current reality of the school. Large-scale simulations may be unrealistic for a single SBL to organise, but shorter, more frequent reviews can keep plans fresh. Setting aside time once a term to check contact lists, key suppliers and critical processes helps ensure the plan stays relevant. Small, consistent reviews are often more effective than rare, large-scale tests.
The world is unpredictable but that doesn’t mean schools should operate in a state of constant panic or expect to foresee every possible crisis. Instead, it’s about being realistic: disruptions will happen, but having a clear, flexible plan in place means you’re far better equipped to respond calmly and effectively when they do.
Think of continuity planning as a safety net. Most of the time, you won’t need to use it – but when the unexpected strikes, it’s reassuring to know it’s there.
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