Exciting new professional development pilot for school business professionals – launched with the Welsh Government
Opportunity Overview
ISBL is working with the Welsh Government to deliver a 12 month pilot project to support the learning and development of school business professionals in our Welsh schools.
The project aims to support the wider integration and use of Integrated Curriculum Financial Planning (ICFP) metrics, which provide evidence on the use of resources and help schools leaders to critically assess the effective use of the resources at their disposal.
Those enrolled on the project will benefit from:
- ISBL membership for 12 months
- ICFP training – lead by specialist experts and supported by Welsh SBP professionals
- Access to the ISBL professional development self-assessment tool
- An annual licence for ASOT which is a ICFP tool to support schools in producing ICFP metrics to analysis their school resource allocation
- Coaching and development through termly pilot meetings
- Professional networking with the other SBPs on the project
Additionally, it is expected that this investment in professional development will lead to improvements in professional knowledge and confidence that will translate into improved resource management leading to improved outcomes for pupils.
Welsh Government Funded
We are pleased to confirm that this pilot is being fully funded by the Welsh Government, so there will be no direct costs to participating school business professionals.
It is an excellent opportunity for practitioners and their school to benefit from targeted professional development opportunities.
ISBL hope the project will also demonstrate the positive impact using ICFP can have on determining the use and prioritisation of resources; as school leadership teams can critically assess through the metrics how their resources are best used to support optimal pupil outcomes.
The pilot launched on 12 and 13 June at dedicated face-to-face induction sessions and will run until 9 June 2026.
A full evaluation report will be published at the end of the pilot and will include reflections from the 50 SBPs involved in the programme. If you would like more information of any future opportunities for SBPs in Wales please contact bethan.cullen@isbl.org.uk
ISBL Team
ISBL is uniquely dedicated to supporting every version of the school business profession operating across our school system
