School business professional (SBP) pay has been one of the most regular topics of conversation in the two decades since the National College took the first bold steps towards professionalising the role.
Indeed, following participation in National College programmes, many SBPs were promised professional parity with their pedagogical leadership colleagues and a seat on the senior leadership team.
However, whilst many have enjoyed greater recognition and more strategic influence, pay has often lagged behind, and there remains a significant disparity in the level of SBP remuneration.
The Institute of School Business Leadership, in collaboration with Hays, has launched the first-ever SBP national pay framework.
The main aim is not to seek changes to regulations nor to influence pay policy. Instead, the framework aims to provide SBPs and their employers with evidence-based guidance on how to calibrate pay in relation to three important factors – experience, qualifications and accountability.
In the spirit of fairness, we believe that we should value all school and trust leaders equally according to context irrespective of the focus of activity, be it pedagogical or operational.
We also remain convinced that this is an issue that the sector itself is in control of. We believe that with some leadership courage and by creating momentum, we can move away from the continuing disparity currently suffered by many practitioners.
In addition, if employers make more informed decisions on pay, they are more likely to attract and retain high-calibre practitioners.
To access the framework, visit https://www.isbl.org.uk/recruitment-hub.
ISBL Team
ISBL is uniquely dedicated to supporting every version of the school business profession operating across our school system
