That’s a wrap! Rounding up EdExec LIVE 2023

Inspiring, invigorating and informative – we look back at EdExec LIVE 2023 and the key takeaways from two highly successful days of development and learning

There is nothing like seeing motivated, passionate people coming together to connect over a common goal. We look forward to seeing this at each EdExec LIVE event, and this year was no exception. As always, it was fantastic to feel the buzz of camaraderie in the SBL community at our Edexec North event in May and South in June.

The Radisson Blu in Manchester and the RCGP Building in London, once again provided the perfect backdrops to welcome new faces and catch up with old friends (over a coffee or two). SBLs from across the country arrived in their hundreds – ready to absorb what promised to be a great day of networking and seminars. Each event, as ever designed with the demands and challenges of the SBL role in mind, saw speakers take to the stage for multiple presentations covering everything from increasing productivity to ideas for generating extra revenue during the funding crisis.

Suzanne Gibbon - EdExec LIVE North

Alex GreenEdExec LIVE South

Developing a green culture in your school

Suzanne and Alex’s informative sessions provided an insight into the zero-carbon agenda, how it will affect schools and better strategies for implementing green initiatives. Starting on the path toward sustainability can seem like a daunting prospect. But every journey begins with a single step. The sessions offered numerous quick wins that can get every school on the right track when it comes to reducing carbon impact. Making small but effective changes now can be instrumental, quickly adding up to have a big impact in the future.

Steve

Tinniswood

EdExec LIVE South

Think you know paper? The masterclass that will save you money, time and trees!

Steve’s seminar offered SBLs an overview of the world of paper – giving everyone the information needed to make more economical and eco-friendlier choices. Looking at the background of the paper industry and how to develop strategies for saving money at a time when costs are rising, Steve’s session was an informative and intriguing look at one of the staple supplies in any school.

Laura Mumford - EdExec LIVE South and North Steps to improving your school food offer

With the cost-of-living crisis putting more pressure on families, ensuring students receive healthy and well-balanced food at school is becoming ever more imperative.

Laura’s skills and expertise as head of training, Chefs in Schools, were centre stage during the first session of the day. The seminar covered successful models for improved school food provision, Laura’s top tips for transitioning from outside to in-house catering and advice on the all-important financial aspects of managing catering services that appeal to and support a healthy student body.

Jo Gathern and Emma Daziel

– EdExec LIVE South

Getting your school ready for ‘the call’

Even the most experienced and well-prepared SBL will likely feel nervous when faced with an impending Ofsted visit. It can be even more daunting if it is your first inspection experience. Fortunately, Jo and Emma were on hand to reassure and offer valuable advice during their presentation – covering what SBLs can expect, how to prepare for an Ofsted visit, the sorts of questions you might be asked, and sharing their personal experiences. Attendees were also signposted to knowledge banks where further guidance can be found.

Lauren Chiren

– EdExec LIVE South/ Dr Sandi Mann

– EdExec LIVE North Menopause: Supporting staff in the workplace

Creating a supportive and inclusive culture in schools is a big part of the SBL role. This seminar offered valuable yet straightforward and easy-to-apply advice on dealing with the needs of colleagues and staff affected by the menopause. The information provided will help SBLs to make informed choices underpinned by a greater understanding of the mental and physical impact of menopausal changes.

Developing a robust IT strategy

Neil’s wealth of experience working with schools and multi-academy trusts as an IT consultant lent itself perfectly to this seminar designed to build a better understanding of IT systems. SBLs gained advice and knowledge to take practical steps toward identifying priorities and implementing improvements in their IT strategy. Neil also gave SBLs a better look at the functions of an IT team and how they work, meaning everyone left with a better understanding of how to support their IT department and staff.

Laura Williams - EdExec LIVE South and North

The key to productivity

A popular seminar subject amongst the SBLs at both the south and north events, Laura’s look at productivity left those in attendance motivated and inspired. SBLs were encouraged to apply her practical tips on how to get more out of the working day as well as methods to defeat those inner ‘imposter syndrome’ demons – the ones that try to make you think you’re not doing a good enough job (you are, trust us). Laura’s presentation tackled the causes of procrastination and the best ways to gain control of even the most daunting of workloads. Positive and empowering, the key takeaway from this session was that, above all else, you’ve got this!

How school business managers can learn to ‘take care of the person in the role’

As an SBL, you wear multiple hats daily – problem solver, motivational speaker, crisis averter – but how often do we take a little time to remember the person beneath it all? This was the question posed by Viv during her seminar, which focused on self-awareness and emotional and occupational fulfilment. Taking the time to reassess and realign with your core values and goals is a crucial part of self-development that allows you to do an even better job. During the informative and reflective session, Viv asked SBLs to consider what strategies could help reignite professional passion on those days when it can feel like all those hats are weighing a little heavier.

Ian Nethercot – EdExec LIVE South and North

The SBM’s guide to buying IT for less Navigating IT procurement can be a tricky and time-consuming process. The IT market is fast moving as technology continuously changes and redirects. All this can mean that finding the best deal for your school is a real challenge. Giving SBLs a deeper insight into the IT procurement world, Ian’s seminar – drawing on 20 years of experience – armed attendees with the right tools and knowledge to find and negotiate the best deals on the market.

Justin

Smith

- EdExec LIVE South

Rebooting recruitment –a smarter way

Tackling the challenges of effective recruitment, Justin used real-life examples of best practise to highlight straightforward methods that can help uncomplicate and boost your recruitment strategy – working smarter but not harder! Looking at the what-to-dos and what-not-to-dos when it comes to developing an attractive and fruitful campaign, the seminar aimed to get creative juices flowing as SBLs considered what USPs they can offer potential recruits.

Al Kingsley -

The school landscape has shifted dramatically in England over the past few years. In this seminar, the best-selling author of the ‘My School Governance Handbook’, Al Kingsley, took SBLs through an in-depth overview of good governance and its vital role in school growth. The talk covered strategies for identifying risks and opportunities, with everyone taking away a handy checklist for future reviews. Support and cooperation were focus points as SBLs work to develop better working relationships with governors, trustees and local authorities.

Matthew Clements-Wheeler

- EdExec LIVE North AI unleashed: transforming the school business manager role in the digital era

AI is a word on the lips of almost anyone you meet these days. Changes in technology are often followed by panic as people worry about keeping up. But SBLs are adept at keeping a level head. As Stephen explained during this session, there are multiple potential benefits to implementing AI tools in school business management. AI can help with daily operations and data-driven decision-making. With AI use almost certainly becoming part of the SBL role soon, the time to embrace this new technology is now.

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Phil Burton - EdExec LIVE South and North Ways to generate extra revenue during the funding crisis

A subject at the top of every SBL’s priority list, Phil talked through some exciting ideas for more adventurous and innovative ways of generating additional income. Top tips for improving connections with the local community and exploring community funding gave SBLs plenty of inspiration to take home. As school funding gets tighter and SBLs must find more inventive ways to make money stretch further, the positive ‘can do’ message behind the presentation helped to raise spirits and lift moods.

Kevin Parker - EdExec LIVE South Building links with businesses Forging better, stronger relationships with local and national businesses can bring a wealth of benefits to your school. In this seminar, Kevin explained how building these links can allow SBLs to tap into commercial expertise and opportunities that can help raise school profiles. From introducing your school to businesses to identifying potential financial gains, Kevin gave SBLs tips to get the best out of the businesses that can drive schools forward.

Fiona Stagg - EdExec LIVE North

The importance of team building and good communication were the cornerstones of Fiona’s seminar, which offered advice on developing a more effective governance team. Fiona also spoke about the importance of self-evaluation in governance and how to identify the key questions that can lead to better practises. SBLs were supplied with toolkits to help apply the knowledge gained from the session.

Michael Heverin - EdExec LIVE North Transforming supply teaching: How to fundamentally change absence in schools SBLs can often find themselves having to fill gaps in staffing at short notice - and with minimal resources to find suitable cover, the need for a proactive absence management strategy is clear. Michael was on hand to take SBLs through the technology that can help alleviate the stress of managing teacher absence and allow SBLs to make informed choices. This session also looked at the benefits of a more flexible workforce.

Rounding off each event was a dedicated Q and A session where SBLs put their questions to a panel of SBM professionals, drawing on their extensive knowledge and personal experience. The discussion –which offered SBLs the opportunity to gain real time advice and insight - saw fantastic interaction from the audience and panellists.

Running alongside the seminar programme, networking time and a dedicated exhibition space gave SBLs the chance to make new contacts and catch up with colleagues from across the country. As always, EdExec is proud to be able to facilitate and help strengthen growth in the SBL community.

Both events saw a fantastic turnout, further proving the commitment, dedication and passion of everyone working in this challenging yet rewarding role. Thank you to our speakers for delivering such incredible seminars, and thanks to all the SBLs who attended.

WATCH THIS SPACE! Plans are underway for EdExec 2024 – we hope to see you there! If you would like to find out more please email us at hello@edexeclive.co.uk

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