Relying less on external HR advice with ISBL

Are you considering a specialist HR role in the future? Do you want to rely less on external HR advice? If yes, then the new innovative, educationally‑focused CIPD qualification developed with ISBL could be perfect for you

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has worked in partnership with the Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL) to create the new Level 5 Certificate in Human Resources for School Business Professionals.

This is especially for school business professionals with responsibility for HR, people development and those who aspire to develop a specialist HR role in the future e.g. HR manager in a MAT structure.

Why has ISBL been prompted to develop this new program with CIPD?

The emergence of new schools’ structures over the last few years has seen the advent of new roles within these structures, where specialist roles are being developed to drive efficiencies, provide oversight and drive consistency of approach across school structures.

This is particularly evident in the delivery of finance, procurement and HR where new roles are being advertised in these structures for specialist director roles.

As with the growth of the chief operating officer and chief financial officer roles, ISBL believe it is important that the individuals undertaking these roles have an intrinsic understanding of the school context and the uniqueness of the education sector.

What does the new qualification offer?

The qualification includes a range of subjects to give you a comprehensive grounding in HR practice. It provides knowledge and practical skills in: understanding business issues and how they influence HR decision‑making; employment law; researching data; resourcing and talent planning; reward management; and developing yourself and understanding the benefits of effective HR practice in schools.

Who is it for?

“Having worked as a school business manager for more than 10 years, I was looking to develop my skills and knowledge in areas other than finance,” said Jo Long, business manager at Venture MAT.

“Working in a large primary school, which is also establishing a MAT, I have found that I am dealing with more and more HR-related topics. Having no formal training in HR, this Level 5 course seems an ideal qualification to enable me to further support our organisation as we develop, and to help ensure we maintain the high-quality staffing we need,” Jo continued.

Vicky Rodrigues, school business manager, at Grove Park Primary School, added: “As the school has expanded, the number of staff has increased and the demands on HR has also increased.

“Unfortunately, at this time of growth the local authority has completely withdrawn support, so approximately 30 per cent of my time is now spent dealing with HR.

“Whilst the school does have support from an external HR advisor, I must ensure that I am asking the right questions, interpreting the information provided, and applying it correctly to the given situation.

“The head teacher relies on me to ensure that the advice I provide him with is accurate and has sound legal basis. The Level 5 certificate has been contextualised to recognise the uniqueness of the educational environment. It is developed by CIPD and ISBL, which gives me confidence that the course will meet the needs of a school business professional in the current climate.”

It is ideal for people who are recognised as the HR professional within their school or someone whose responsibilities include managing and advising on people-related matters.

This level 5 qualification will enable you to develop and implement people plans to help your school meet its operational and strategic goals.

What is the financial and time commitment required?

The qualification includes six modules studied over 12 months via classroom training, webinars and workbooks.

The qualification is expected to take 360 hours across this 12-month period, which includes the guided learning hours, webinars and self-study to achieve the assessments.

The fee for the Certificate is £2,999 plus VAT; which includes ISBL student and CIPD student membership, where you are not currently a member of each organisation.

Where will it take place?

The first cohort of this exciting education focused qualification is taking place in London and the first cohort is already full, with the next cohort commencing in October 2018 in London. Therefore, you will need to act fast to confirm your place on  his exciting educationally focused programme.

If you are interested in other cohort locations, please email training@isbl.org.uk and you will be added to the expression of interest list. ISBL will use this data to gauge the interest in the qualification across the country and identify further cohort locations.

You can find out more about this new training qualification either on the ISBL website or by calling a member of the ISBL professional development team on 02476 231221.