NASBM Awards to recognise crucial role of the SBM

Against a backdrop of budget cuts, policy change and soaring student numbers, the role of the SBM has never been more crucial in schools. From cost management and procurement, to HR and infrastructure, it’s a varied, complex and hugely challenging role. What better way to celebrate this remarkable role than an awards ceremony? 

The NASBM Awards 2015 will focus solely on the achievements of SBMs. ‘We’re looking for the leading lights in the profession whose work has transformed the whole school community – and could be an inspiration to others in the profession,’ said NASBM.

The awards, which relate to achievements made during the 2014-15 academic year, are open to SBM professionals working in all state and independent primary, secondary and special schools in the UK, including academies and free schools.

With eight categories to choose from, there are plenty of awards available and you can enter as many as you wish. Optimus Education also have a wide range of relevant information, advice and templates to inform and inspire you.

O​ptimus sponsor: Policies 

Optimus Education are the proud sponsors of the Policy category. Government policies are changed and updated so frequently and it’s crucial that SBMs keep up with the implications for their school and their profession. NASBM want to hear from SBMs who are heavily involved with policy in terms of both its interpretation and delivery.

The remaining seven categories

1. Leading support services

A chance for individuals to showcase how they are using resources – people, goods or services – in the most innovative ways. SBMs need to demonstrate how they are deploying resources inventively, and how this is allowing your school to flourish.

2. Core: strategy, efficiency and governance

This celebrates SBMs who are working with the headteacher and governors to develop a strategic plan for the school. The winner will need to be able to demonstrate the impact they make both within the senior leadership team and in securing the future of the school.

3. Finance 

This is all about demonstrating innovative approaches to effective financial management. Whether you’re driving significant additional revenue for your school or making the funds you have work harder – NASBM want to know what you’ve achieved, how you have done it and what impact it’s having.

4. Procurement

Are you an expert at saving money by finding new suppliers or renegotiating contracts? Perhaps you’ve launched a local buying consortium across your cluster schools? NASBM are looking for SBMs who have made huge savings and efficiencies over the last academic year, and could see their approach rolled out across all schools.

5. Infrastructure

Whether it’s overseeing a school-building project or installing a new ICT suite, an SBM’s work is never done. This is dedicated to managers who have changed and shaped their school’s infrastructure to meet the needs of pupils, staff and the curriculum.

6. Marketing

Today’s schools face tough competition to attract the best students. They have to build vital links with the local community and businesses to raise their profile and become the school of choice. Can you do this and show real entrepreneurial spirit in the process? Have you worked with a multitude of partners, delivering tangible, beneficial results?

7. HR

It’s essential that managers deploy staff members effectively. How do you ensure your school attracts the best candidates? And how do you get the best from your team? This is for SBMs who are leading HR, experimenting with new methods of employment and bringing ideas from industry into education.

Entry for the awards is completely free and you can nominate someone or put yourself forward.

Entries will close at 17:00 on Wednesday 30 September, 2015, so don’t delay!