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School business manager advocates: frequently asked questions

What is a school business manager advocate?

School business manager (SBM) advocates bring the best of school business management into regional and national debate. They raise awareness of the SBM profession and demonstrate how the SBM role can improve school effectiveness; providing leadership learning support, collaboration and networking opportunities for all school leaders through face-to-face and online activities. If you would like to share your school business management leadership experiences or discuss local issues, please contact your regional SBM advocate.

SBM advocates have been commissioned by the National College from the following backgrounds:

• operating in a senior school business manager post in one school or over a cluster of schools
• operating in a senior school business manager related post, for example a consultant or local authority employee

What do SBM advocates do?

SBM advocates:

• support for essential activity, such as promoting the National College’s SBM programmes (CSBM, DSBM, ADSBM and SBD programmes), services (SBM jobs) and programme tools (for example the development guide and virtual school)
• provide regional knowledge and expertise, facilitating contact with enablers throughout the region
• advise other leaders on a range of SBM issues (including continuing professional development (CPD), qualifications available, recruitment advice, models of leadership, or an insight to the SBM profession) from their ‘on the ground’ perspective
• share their experiences with other leaders
• work with National College regional leaders face to face and online
• work with SBM-related stakeholders and related organisations, such as the National Association of School Business Managers (NASBM), the Institute of Administrative Management (IAM), Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), Schools Value for Money Consultants (Tribal Avail), Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) regional advisers

Can an SBM advocate come and talk to our SBM network/headteacher meeting/conference?

Yes, if the request relates to career and professional development, the SBM advocate is more appropriate to attend in order to promote the role of the SBM to headteachers and potential applicants. If you would like an SBM advocate to attend a conference or event that you are planning, please contact your regional SBM advocate.

What if the media want to approach an SBM advocate?

If you have any questions in relation to SBM advocates, please contact the National College on 0845 609 0009 or email enquiries@nationalcollege.org.uk.