It's a tough job...but we love it.
Proud to be the SBM
Let it Snow!
A snow day is a true test of the SBL skill in handling conflicting demands and prioritising. I'm thinking of making it an interview test...
Post-Audit Blues
When you've been working towards something for weeks...How do you deal with post event blues?
Ask Anna – How long should I wait?
Dear Anna, I applied for an exciting new job three weeks ago, and I've been constantly checking my emails ever since.
Ask Anna – Tips for SBMs starting in new roles.
Dear Anna, you've written some tips for new SBMs, got any for the experienced SBM moving into a new school this year?
Ask Anna – The End of the Summer
Dear Anna, I love my job as an SBM, but I absolutely hate going back after the summer holiday.
Ask Anna – MATs and the SBM
Dear Anna, Governors and SLT are starting to talk about joining a MAT next year. I'm worried about what this is going to mean for my role in the school.
Ask Anna – Tips for a new SBM
Dear Anna, I've been working as a Finance Officer for 5 years and I have been promoted to School Business Manager...
The Search for…an SBM logo
The first question to address, eight months into this work-related-but-in-my-own-time activity was, "do I still want to be anonymous?"
What level are you working at?
It's back to work this week to make a start on a new academic year and I'm thinking about all I've learned about my work through this blog...
Idyll Interrupted – 4
The full moon lit the way back up the cliff for Anna and Barry and they chatted quietly as they made their way up the steep path...
We’ve got to Let It Go
"There is no glass ceiling" is an inspiring 'call to arms' to achieve, collaborate, get qualified, lead, fly...
Collaborate to Innovate
The desire to innovate is no longer enough in any industry to guarantee success...
Caution – Superficial blog alert!
Sometimes I like to shop, but Im easily distracted by brown...
One of the most important policies you probably don’t have…
No one likes to talk about this but why not? Half the population goes through it...
Idyll Interrupted – 1
The house stood high above Porth Temple beach with its secluded golden sands, surrounded on three sides by cliffs made up of a steep grassy incline that was climbable with care...
Yes, I can be REALLY annoying!
What with the Budget Forecast return due next week - please tell me why the deadline is set a week after the Accounting Officer has gone on holiday? - and my ongoing campaign...
Luck is (definitely) not a factor.
What happens when you resolve to stop using the word "luck"?...
Build it and they will come.
Outdoor Shakespeare and I go a long way back. Not all the way to 1599 and the opening of the Globe Theatre you understand...
Applying for Support Roles in Schools
In my time as an SBM, I've sifted through a considerable number of support staff job applications and, it has to be said, rejected a significant proportion for reasons that were easily solvable by the applicant...
What makes a good School Business Manager?
A strategic SBM has a unique set of personality traits...