We asked Lesley Burton to answer five questions about being a School Business Leader. Here’s what she said:
How did you become a School Business Manager/Leader?
I became interested in schools when my son started primary school and I became involved in the setting up of an After School Club. I applied for a Bursar post at a local failing secondary school and the rest is history!
What would be your one top tip for aspiring/new School Business Managers/Leaders?
You will learn new things every day; knowledge does not come quickly and you learn every day. Listen more than you speak!
If you had an independent mentor and you asked for their support in one area of your role, what would you ask for?
Support with H&S rather than auditors coming to ‘catch me out’.
Thinking about when you first started as a school leader, what one piece of advice would you give yourself knowing what you know now?
To have confidence in myself; I know more than I think!
Many school business managers/Leaders report feeling isolated, how do you think this could be addressed?
Funded local network support rather than it being self funded. This would ensure more collaboration.
Lesley is a School Business Leader at St John’s Primary School in Bradford. You can connect with Lesley on Linked In
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