Today, I’m bringing the first season of the podcast to a close. I’m sharing some stats, some news and saying a massive thank you to you all! The episode at a glance:[0:20] – Bye-bye comfort zone! I talk about overcoming my fear to launch the podcast and how much of a fun experience it has been.[1:31] – The bit with the stats. I share some insane stats from the first season… and you made them happen![2:39] – Fancy joining me? I’ve started recording Season 2 already and I’m  looking for new guests! Get in touch if you fancy it!Resource:DOWNLOAD: Season 1 SBL Podcast GuideWant to know more about what I do and the types of CPD that I offer?My mailing list receive all the latest updates and info about my SBL CPD events (free & paid) before anybody else (as well as a weekly Tuesday e-mail guaranteed to amuse, entertain and occasionally inspire!)Click here to join my mailing list!You can also find me here:-       Website, Blog & Free Resources -       Twitter-       Instagram-       Facebook-       LinkedInWant to be a guest on the podcast?Click here to leave me your details and I'll be in touch soon!Subscribe:·       If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! ·       Or click here if it’s easier!Get in touch:You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!

In this episode, I’m sharing my top delegation tips. If you’ve ever thought, ‘it’s just easier to do it myself’ rather than delegate to a member of your team then this episode is for you! I talk about what might be stopping you and how you can go about it without stressing yourself out even more… The episode at a glance:[0:29] – I talk about the barriers I put up to justify not delegating and how you should question them.[3:00] – I share some failsafes I have used in the past to help me delegate successfully.Support:If you’re still panicking about the size of your workload and you need some support, then please get in touch. I’m always here if you need to talk.You can also find me here:-       Website, Blog & Free Resources-       Twitter-       Instagram-       Facebook-       LinkedInRelated ContentPODCAST: Episode 40 – A Framework For Line ManagementPODCAST: Episode 37 – How To Deal With InterruptionsRESOURCE: Line Managing Difficult StaffPODCAST: Difficult Conversations - 3 Questions To Ask YourselfBLOG: How To Lead When Everything Is Out Of ControlBLOG: How To Prepare For Difficult ConversationsBLOG: How To Set Staff Objectives For Performance ManagementWant to be a guest on the podcast?Click here to leave me your details and I'll be in touch soon!Subscribe:·       If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! ·       Or click here if it’s easier!Get in touch:You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me...

In this episode, I’m sharing the line management framework I recommend to SBLs, Heads and CEOs. Not sure how often you should meet with your staff? Want to improve communication with your team? Trying to build up to a difficult conversation? This episode has the answers!The episode at a glance:[0:45] – I talk about how to create safe, informative meetings with staff that avoid too much formality but still feel structured and professional.[3:36] – I describe some of the situations that would require you to adjust your management style and how to do so effectively.Support:This framework has been tried and tested by me and other school leaders, but you will need to tweak it to your particular staff needs and context. I hope you found this useful and know that you are not the only one who struggles with difficult conversations. If you’re dealing with a difficult situation and want some extra guidance, get in touch and we can talk about it together!You can also find me here:-       Website, Blog & Free Resources-       Twitter-       Instagram-       Facebook-       LinkedInRelated ContentRESOURCE: Line Managing Difficult StaffPODCAST: Difficult Conversations - 3 Questions To Ask YourselfBLOG: How To Lead When Everything Is Out Of ControlBLOG: How To Prepare For Difficult ConversationsBLOG: How To Set Staff Objectives For Performance ManagementWant to be a guest on the podcast?Click here to leave me your details and I'll be in touch soon!Subscribe:·       If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! ·       Or click here if it’s easier!Get in touch:You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in...

In today’s episode, we are going international for the very first time!Katie Taylor joins me from Western Australia to talk about how the role of School Business Leader compares across the two countries. We talk job titles, job roles, CPD, networks and much, much more!The episode at a glance:[1:49] – Katie talks about how she came across the podcast and how it resonated with her [4:11] – We talk job titles and job roles… what’s the same and what’s different?[7:52] – Katie explains where the SBL role fits in with the leadership structure and how the role continues to evolve [14:10] – We explore career progression and the wider education landscape in Australia[17:31] – Katie talks about the challenges of geography and how it impacts on education operationally including networking and the role of professional associations[26:57] – Katie talks about SBL qualifications and professional development{29:30] – Katie tells us more about her journey into education and to the role of SBL and what the differences are between primary and secondary[34:40] – Brace yourself as Katie talks us through the structure of the school year and school days![40:51] – Katie shares some final thoughts and observationsRelated content:- Follow Katie on TwitterBook recommendations from Katie:- Above And Beyond The Bottom Line: The Extraordinary Evolution Of The Education Business Manager – Karen Starr- The Business Of School Leadership: A Practical Guide For Managing The Business Dimension Of Schools - Larry Smith And Dan RileyWant to be a guest on the podcast?Click here to leave me your details and I'll be in touch soon!Subscribe:·       If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! ·       Or click here if it’s easier!Get in touch:You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!You can find Laura here…-       Website, Blog & Free Resources-       Twitter-       Instagram-       Facebook-

Neil Limbrick, IT Consultant and Partner of Limbrick Consultancy LLP, joins me to talk about the challenges facing the sector today and how SBLs and ICT teams can work together to create some truly innovative and sustainable solutions.In particular, Neil digs into the key relationship that is the SBL and ICT lead and talks about how you can develop a shared mission and vocabulary to make that partnership even stronger.The episode at a glance:[2:32] – Neil talks about the challenges that schools and particularly ICT teams have faced throughout the pandemic[9:28] – Neil discusses the disconnects and the common ground between SBLs and ICT and how we can accomplish more together[20:55] – Neil talks about what we can do better to help the ICT team do their job to maximum effectiveness before turning the tables onto ICT teams…[26:14] – Neil emphasises the value of ICT and the ongoing financial investment needed when you make an ICT purchase[39:11] – Neil gives us his final thoughts on how ICT and SBLs can have a synergistic relationshipRelated content:- Follow Neil on Twitter- Limbrick Consultancy- The Education Collective- Neil’s WebsiteOther resources:- PODCAST: Why You Should Employ An ICT Apprentice- PODCAST: How To Become A Paperless School- BLOG: Supporting Your Support Staff- BLOG: How To Get All Your Staff Involved In The Financial Wellbeing Of Your SchoolWant to be a guest on the podcast?Click here to leave me your details and I'll be in touch soon!Subscribe:·       If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! ·       Or click here if it’s easier!Get in touch:You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!You can find Laura here…-       Website, Blog & Free Resources-       Twitter-

In this episode, I’m sharing my go-to system to help school business leaders manage interruptions. I’m also sharing a 3-step process to help you to create structure, set boundaries and say no as well as some useful phrases to say to others to help you get started!The episode at a glance:[0:45] – I talk about the importance of boundaries and why I used to feel uncomfortable saying no [2:37] – I share a strategy to help you to build structure into your role and two other steps to create boundaries that stick[4:54] – I tell you about my go-to system and how you can use it effectively [9:28] – I talk about how to make this system work and what to expect as you implement itSupport:If you’re feeling like you could use some extra support, please get in touch if you want to talk.You can also find me here:-       Website, Blog & Free Resources-       Twitter-       Instagram-       Facebook-       LinkedInWant to be a guest on the podcast?Click here to leave me your details and I'll be in touch soon!Subscribe:·       If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! ·       Or click here if it’s easier!Get in touch:You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!

Micon Metcalfe, School Business Professional and MAT Executive Leader, returns to the show to talk about all things financial benchmarking. Is it worth it? How does it work? What info should you be looking at? This episode has all the answers!And because it’s us… we didn’t stop there (again!) We also talk about governance, Ofsted, the ESFA, the DfE, the SRMA role and MATs in terms of growth, central team structures and what we think the future holds for education generally…Really, there is nowhere we won’t go!The episode at a glance:[2:15] – Micon shares her views on financial benchmarking, how and why this has shifted over time and the role of the SRMA[29:04] – Micon discusses Ofsted inspections from a MAT perspective plus how she feels about scrutiny, GAG-pooling, and much more! [40:27] – Micon shares her advice for those SBLs who aren’t ‘allowed’ to observe or participate in critical strategic discussions [46:22] – Micon talks about how you can get started with financial benchmarking [01:02:02] – Micon talks about the challenges in the sector both now and moving forward and what we can do to weather themRelated content:-  Follow Micon on TwitterOther resources:- PODCAST: My SBL Journey: Micon Metcalfe- PODCAST: Budget Setting And Monitoring- PODCAST: Financial Management Post-COVID- BLOG: How To Get All Staff Involved In The Financial Wellbeing Of Your School- RESOURCE: Schools Financial Benchmarking- RESOURCE: Benchmark Your School- RESOURCE: View My Financial Insights- RESOURCE: Guidance Tool For MAT GrowthWant to be a guest on the podcast?Click here to leave me your details and I'll be in touch soon!Subscribe:·       If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! ·       Or click here if it’s easier!Get in touch:You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!You can find Laura here…-

Micon Metcalfe, School Business Professional and MAT Executive Leader, joins me to talk about her SBL journey, the evolution of the SBL role, what the future holds for the profession and how SBLs can prepare themselves for it…The episode at a glance:[1:50] – Micon talks us through her entry into and through the education sector[12:56] – Micon delves into the changes and challenges she experienced moving from a small primary to a larger primary and then onto a secondary [30:08] – Micon talks about her experiences with and thoughts about the financial elements of the role and we talk about how important an accountancy qualification actually is[51:14] – Micon shares her thoughts on how the role will evolve in the future [1:09:32] – Micon shares her ideas on how the SBL community can support each other and how we can raise the profile of the profession Related content:-  Follow Micon on TwitterOther resources:- PODCAST: My SBL Journey: 30 Years In – My Advice to You- PODCAST: Your Career & CPD – How To Decide What’s Next- PODCAST: Moving From Primary To Secondary- BLOG: How To Choose The Right CPD for You- BLOG: How To Build Your Confidence- RESOURCE: Guidance Tool For MAT GrowthWant to be a guest on the podcast?Click here to leave me your details and I'll be in touch soon!Subscribe:·       If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! ·       Or click here if it’s easier!Get in touch:You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!You can find Laura here…-       Website, Blog & Free Resources-       Twitter-       Instagram-

David McClelland, School Business Manager, joins me to reflect on his first year as a SBM and also share his thoughts on the profession more generally – with his new and fresh perspective!The episode at a glance:[1:23] – David explains why he felt August 2020 was a good time for him to jump into the SBL role and what he thinks the similarities and differences are between schools and other organisations[12:25] – David discusses the commonalities between SBLs regardless of their path into the sector and how his role as a School Governor has helped him in his role[22:37] – David talks about his supportive Head and what he thinks it would have been like without him[35:15] – David emphasises the role’s need for recognised professional bodies and CPD [55:30] – We talk about mindset, culture and support for SBLs[1:06:18] – David talks about what comes next for him on his SBL journey and leaves us with some final thoughtsRelated content:- Contact David on LinkedIn- Join my Facebook Group- Join my Aspiring SBM Facebook GroupOther resources:- PODCAST: Raising the Profile of the Profession- PODCAST: How to Develop the Role and Gain Recognition- DOWNLOAD: New SBM Checklist- BLOG: For New SBLs- BLOG: It’s Time to Take ActionWant to be a guest on the podcast?Click here to leave me your details and I'll be in touch soon!Subscribe:·       If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! ·       Or click here if it’s easier!Get in touch:You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!You can find Laura here…-       Website, Blog & Free Resources-       Twitter-

In this episode, I’m sharing my top tips and advice to help new SBLs gather all the information, evidence and intelligence they need to get to grips with the role quickly and become the SBL superhero they were meant to be!The episode at a glance:[0:48] – I talk about the power of perception and what you need to do to figure out everything you need to know in your new role[2:32] – I break things down into 5 key areas to concentrate on in your first term as SBL[9:00] – I share some top tips to help you stay focused Related Content:RESOURCE: New SBM Checklist & Starter KitPODCAST: Why There’s No Such Thing As A Normal Path To The RolePODCAST: Advice And Support For Aspiring SBMsPODCAST: The Key To SBL Success – Building RelationshipsBLOG: For New SBMsIf you’re feeling like you could use some extra support, please get in touch - you don't have to do this alone!You can also find me here:-       Website, Blog & Free Resources-       Twitter-       Instagram-       Facebook-       LinkedInWant to be a guest on the podcast?Click here to leave me your details and I'll be in touch soon!Subscribe:·       If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! ·       Or click here if it’s easier!Get in touch:You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!

Tina Button, School Business Manager, joins me to talk about the importance of building and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders and shares her tips on how to do just that!We talk about Headteachers, SLT, staff, governors, parents, contractors, local businesses and fellow School Business Leaders!The episode at a glance:[1:43] – Tina talks about the importance of less-tangible relationship benefits and shares her experiences.[2:43] – Tina talks about the most important professional relationship for SBLs – the one they have with their Headteacher[7:03] – Tina turns her attention to the SLT and the wider staff [17:19] – Tina widens the conversation and talks about relationships with school governors [22:24] – We widen the lens even further and talk about how to build relationships with parents[27:15] – Tina talks contractors and shares both her positive and challenging experiences[39:41] – Tina talks about her connections in the local business community and shares some unusual collaborations as well as her tips on how you can start to broker these relationships.[43:58] – We talk about the importance of building relationships with other SBLs – not only for professional reasons but also for our mental health and wellbeingRelated content:- Follow Tina on TwitterOther resources:- PODCAST: Raising the Profile of the Profession- PODCAST: How to Develop the SBL Role and Gain Recognition- PODCAST: Why SBLS Are Vital To The Success Of A School- BLOG: How to Earn the Respect you Deserve- BLOG: It’s Time to Take Action- BLOG: How To Be Seen As A Team Player- BLOG: Demonstrate Impact and Gain RecognitionWant to be a guest on the podcast?Click here to leave me your details and I'll be in touch soon!Subscribe:·       If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! ·       Or click here if it’s easier!Get in touch:You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like...

Margaret Johnson, Director of Business Operations, joins me to share her advice, tips and wisdom from a SBL career spanning 30 years. If you're in need of some perspective, inspiration & wisdom then this episode will give you all those things and more… The episode at a glance:[1:40] – Margaret explains how her dislike of school turned into a passion and talks about her achievements [16:12] – I ask Margaret to share what made the biggest difference as she constantly fought the status quo[32:31] – Margaret talks about her other responsibilities and the CPD that helped her on her journey[54:03] – Margaret leaves us with some advice that is relevant to every area of our livesRelated content:- Connect with Margaret on LinkedIn- Join my Facebook Group Other resources:- PODCAST: Raising the Profile of the Profession- PODCAST: How To Develop The SBL Role And Gain Recognition- BLOG: The Art Of Saying No- BLOG: How to Earn the Respect You Deserve- BLOG: It’s Time To Take Action- BLOG: Demonstrate Impact And Gain RecognitionWant to be a guest on the podcast?Click here to leave me your details and I'll be in touch soon!Subscribe:·       If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! ·       Or click here if it’s easier!Get in touch:You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!You can find Laura here…-       Website, Blog & Free Resources-       Twitter -       Instagram-

Shirley Si Ahmed, School Business Leader, returns to share her advice on how to hit the ground running this September! We talk about all the key areas of the SBL role plus what you need to get covered off quickly, the things you might forget (but won’t now!) and some tips to help you feel ready for anything!The episode at a glance:[1:55] – Shirley tells us whether she’s ready for September and what her summer has been like  [4:09] – Shirley talks about what it’s like to forget who she is, where she’s up to and what she should be doing – and how to avoid feeling the same way![9:29] – Shirley talks about why now is a good time to take stock, make changes where they are needed, set your priorities for the upcoming year and how to make a plan for your teams too[16:51] – Shirley talks about the importance of a clean slate, how we can use it to our best advantage and how far ahead we should actually be thinking![25:21] – We tackle the big one… finance! What do we need to do now to make sure we’re ready for the new year? Shirley tells us…[32:17] – Shirley runs through some key compliance areas you might want to check / complete as the new academic year gets underway[36:47] – We talk about the key HR tasks you should prioritise at this time of year[43:14] – Shirley talks about what data we need to collect, review, update, share and/or archive[49:31] – Shirley talks about the key H&S areas you should have a look over at the start of the yearRelated content:- Follow Shirley on Twitter- PODCAST: Episode 4 - How To Tackle Imposter Syndrome – Shirley’s first episodeOther resources:- PODCAST: Episode 2 – How To Hit The Ground Running Without A Handover- PODCAST: Episode 19 – SBL Wellbeing: Top Tips- PODCAST: Episode 21 – Inbox Zero- PODCAST: Episode 28 – Website Branding, Marketing & ComplianceWant to be a guest on the podcast?Click here to leave me your details and I'll be in touch soon!Subscribe:·       If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! ·       Or click here if it’s easier!Get in touch:You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!You can find Laura here…-

In the final episode of the Summer of CPD series, I’m flying solo and I’m tackling a big topic – difficult conversations.I talk you through the three questions that you need to ask yourself before you have a difficult conversation with a member of staff and how to deal with a variety of possible scenarios.The episode at a glance:[1:00] – I talk about the importance of clarity, expectations and boundaries[3:28] – I share my tips on how to be sure you’re being reasonable[6:52] – I talk about how to approach the conversation and in what scenarios you might need to adapt[8:52] – I share my own experiences with difficult conversations and my advice on how to overcome the dread of having themRelated ContentDOWNLOAD: Line Managing Difficult Staff GuideBLOG: SBL Surgery: How to Prepare for Difficult ConversationsCOACHING: Group Coaching or 1-1 available to help you target specific issuesWant to know more about what I do and the types of CPD that I offer?My mailing list receive all the latest updates and info about my SBL CPD events (free & paid) before anybody else (as well as a weekly Tuesday e-mail guaranteed to amuse, entertain and occasionally inspire!)Click here to join my mailing list and you’ll be the first to know about the next round of support sessions and masterclasses as well as get an early heads up on when the doors for my next SBL Group Coaching Program will open again!Want to be a guest on the podcast?Click here to leave me your details and I'll be in touch soon!Subscribe:·     If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes!·     Or click here if it’s easier!Get in touch:You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!You can find Laura here…-      Website, Blog & Free Resources-      Twitter-      Instagram-      Facebook-      LinkedIn

Becky Hall and Jeff Eden from School Business Services join me for the eighth and penultimate episode of the Summer of CPD podcast series!Becky and Jeff share their knowledge and expertise about all things to do with your school website – how can you make sure your website is attractive, user friendly, engaging and of course, compliant?We have all the answers for you in this episode… The episode at a glance:[2:45] – Becky talks about the importance of clarity around the vision for your school and what the role of your website is to support that[8:59] – Becky talks about navigation and ease of use for visitors who aren’t familiar with your site[13:41] – Becky shares some helpful tips around site safety and visibility[21:44] – Jeff digs into the detail of website compliance[27:07] – Jeff talks about areas that aren’t explicitly referenced on the official checklists but are still required and may be checked by OfstedRelated content:- DOWNLOAD: Free SBS Website Compliance Checklist- Contact Becky on LinkedIn- Contact Jeff on LinkedIn- Check out the School Business Services websiteWant to be a guest on the podcast?Click here to leave me your details and I'll be in touch soon!Subscribe:·      If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes!·      Or click here if it’s easier!Get in touch:You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!You can find Laura here…-      Website, Blog & Free Resources-      Twitter-      Instagram -      Facebook-      LinkedIn

Ally Bigwood, School Business Manager, returns for the seventh episode of the Summer of CPD podcast series! Ally joins me to talk about what’s involved in running multiple social media accounts for his school. We talk all things platforms, audience, content and time commitments as well as how to manage your online relationships with stakeholders…The episode at a glance:[1:46] – Ally describes his journey and interest in social media from a SBL perspective.[4:37] – Ally talks about who might be looking at each social media platform and the benefits schools can see from engaging on them[9:55] – Ally helps us understand what you should be posting and who your school should be following[14:21] – Ally explains how anyone can get started with social media without being overwhelmed[21:15] – Ally talks about the importance of engagement and communication on social media[23:30] – We talk about the importance of safeguarding in relation to sharing content on social mediaRelated content:- Follow Ally on Twitter- Ally’s school Instagram account - BridgeLearningCampus- Ally’s school Twitter account - @Bristol_BLC- Ally’s app recommendationsWant to be a guest on the podcast?Click here to leave me your details and I'll be in touch soon!Subscribe:·      If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes!·      Or click here if it’s easier!Get in touch:You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!You can find Laura here…-      Website, Blog & Free Resources-      Twitter -      Instagram-      Facebook-      LinkedIn

In the sixth episode of the Summer of CPD podcast series, Simon Martin from SBS joins me to talk about why schools should employ an ICT apprentice, what the job might involve and how it could help you in your SBL role.The episode at a glance:[1:27] – Simon explains why he is so passionate about ICT in schools[3:16] – Simon talks about his own experience as an ICT apprentice and how he moved into education[5:21] – Simon explains why he thinks it is crucial for schools to be involved in ICT apprenticeships[9:14] – Simon talks about the qualities you should look for in an ICT apprentice Related content:- Contact Simon on LinkedIn- Check out the School Business Services website- ESFA: Recruit an Apprentice- ESFA: Guide for Apprenticeships for the School Workforce- National Apprenticeship WeekWant to be a guest on the podcast?Click here to leave me your details and I'll be in touch soon!Subscribe:·       If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! ·       Or click here if it’s easier!Get in touch:You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!You can find Laura here…-       Website, Blog & Free Resources-       Twitter-       Instagram-       Facebook-       LinkedIn

Jonny Coates, Business and Finance Director, returns for the fifth episode of the Summer of CPD podcast series!Jonny joins me to talk about the how’s, why’s and what on earth’s involved in becoming a paperless school! He shares his tips on where to start, the benefits you’ll see and how to get others on board…The episode at a glance:[1:43] – Jonny talks about why he started on his paperless journey, how it improved his productivity, and his step-by-step plan to achieve it.[9:37] – Jonny explains how he got others on board [16:51] – Jonny talks about the COVID effect on digital systems and processes and the importance of virtual tools for communication[21:48] – Jonny expands on the benefits of being a paperless school as part of the sustainability agenda[26:01] – Jonny explains how you can support people through the process of moving to a paperless workplace[35:20] – Jonny talks about why he isn’t recommending specific systems, how you can explore moving to a paperless school and where to find supportRelated content:- Follow Jonny on Twitter- PODCAST: Moving from Primary to Secondary - Jonny’s previous podcast- BLOG: How to set goals in 2021Want to be a guest on the podcast?Click here to leave me your details and I'll be in touch soon!Subscribe:·       If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! ·       Or click here if it’s easier!Get in touch:You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!You can find Laura here…-       Website, Blog & Free Resources-       Twitter-       Instagram -       Facebook-       LinkedIn

Helen Burge, Deputy Chief Operations Officer, returns for the fourth episode of the Summer of CPD podcast series.Helen joins me to talk about sustainability, why it’s important and what she thinks the SBL role has to do with it! She shares her ideas about what actions we can take and gives us tips on how we can get the conversation going.The episode at a glance:[1:36] – Helen describes how the sustainability agenda relates to the school environment and why she feels so passionately about it[4:51]  – Helen talks about why the sustainability agenda isn’t as far removed from the SBL role than you might think [8:58] – We dig into the detail of how schools can support sustainability in a variety of areas[15:50] – Helen talks about change over time, why a plan is important and how we can involve others and gain support[26:22] – Helen shares her tips on where to start and encourages SBLs to get in touch!Related content:- Follow Helen on Twitter- Check out Helen’s blog- PODCAST: 6 Strategic Tools for SBLs - Helen’s previous solo podcast- PODCAST: SBL Wellbeing: Top Tips - Helen’s group podcast - the ABBLed roundtable- ISBL Standards- Eco Schools Website- Plastic Free Schools- Salix Funding- Woodland TrustWant to be a guest on the podcast?Click here to leave me your details and I'll be in touch soon!Subscribe:·       If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! ·       Or click here if it’s easier!Get in touch:You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!You can find Laura here…-       Website, Blog & Free Resources -       Twitter-       Instagram-

Lorraine Ashover, Director of Minerva Procurement Consultancy Services, returns for the third episode of the Summer of CPD podcast series!She joins me to share her tips on how to plan your procurement timetable.How long should it take? How long could it take? How long should each stage of the process last for?We’ve got the answers for you in today’s episode!The episode at a glance:[1:46] – Lorraine emphasises the need for setting up and understanding timetables now before the craziness of the new academic year carries us away! [3:01] – Where to start in terms of document preparation[7:43] – Lorraine digs into the detail of the different stages and timelines [14:21] – Lorraine shares the common sticking points with procurement timetables and processesRelated content:- Follow Lorraine on Twitter- Check out Lorraine’s website – Minerva Procurement Consultancy- Read Lorraine’s blog on this topicResources:PODCAST: 5 Things SBLs Need To Know About Procurement - Lorraine’s previous podcastPODCAST: 7 Tips For Good Estates ManagementWant to be a guest on the podcast?Click here to leave me your details and I'll be in touch soon!Subscribe:·      If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe in your podcast player so you don’t miss out on future episodes! ·      Or click here if it’s easier!Get in touch:You know I love to hear from you so please pop me an email or get in touch on social media to let me know what you think of the show and what you’d like to see in the future!You can find Laura here…-       Website, Blog & Free Resources-       Twitter-       Instagram-       Facebook-       LinkedIn