As school leaders, we sometimes find ourselves completely stumped. What we thought was going to happen doesn’t, what we were sure was working suddenly isn’t and people that we thought we could count on we realise we can’t.
Very little about school life is predictable and when we’re hit with a curve ball we didn’t see coming or we need to do something we’ve never done before, sourcing external support is often a sensible way forward.
How Can I Help You?
Professionally, I have fifteen years leadership experience in education across business, operations, HR, finance and governance. I’m a former Business Manager, COO, CFO and Company Secretary and have both CIPD and specialist CIPFA qualifications.
I also facilitate sessions for both NPQH and NPQEL and have written curriculum content for these qualifications.
As a consultant, I bring not only strategic and technical knowledge but also sound operational experience to translate vision into practice.
“Laura’s work allowed me to identify areas of strength in the current provision as well as priorities for improvement. It was a pleasure to work with Laura. She just ‘gets’ school improvement and helped me to quickly identify and ameliorate potential problems. She is intelligent, insightful and thorough.” – Principal
“Laura’s knowledge of finance, operations and governance is impressive. However more importantly she is able to articulate this knowledge in a meaningful way and root it in experience. She provides unrelenting challenge in a personable and collegial fashion. Her perspective across the sector provides not only meaningful dialogue about institutional development but also with an eye to improvement. Laura fully appreciates the challenges of leadership in the state education sector. The value she has provided me and my school is significant.” Secondary Headteacher
“Her great emotional intelligence and excellent sense of humour means she builds strong relationships quickly. She does not seek to be centre stage and prefers to work ‘under the radar’ and in the background ensuring that she builds capacity amongst those with whom she works. Her main priorities are always to provide value for money, meet deadlines and make a difference, driven as she is by a strong moral purpose.” – Former Principal
“Laura is a completer-finisher, who shows real attention to detail through the application of a tight, balanced and fair methodology. The nature of Laura’s work approach means she is well placed to effectively deal with challenging and complex situations. Laura reads the landscape well, asks questions of people which drive at the heart of the issue and she provides workable solutions. Laura is also effective in giving wise counsel to leaders and managers about the consequences and risks to the organisation of not addressing issues.” – CEO
How It Works
Whether it’s a one-off piece of work or an ongoing project, my consultancy services can be tailored to deliver exactly what you need. I’ll work closely with you to ensure that the working method we agree on is not only practical but also as flexible and as cost effective as possible.
As a consultant, the type of projects I work on generally fall into one of three categories:
1. Individual/Team Development Projects
These are bespoke, personal projects focused on developing skillsets, building capacity and/or succession planning.
Examples of this are:
- Working alongside Trustees, the CEO and central team to support the development of infrastructure and capacity in preparation for growth
- Working alongside a Headteacher and the Senior Leadership Team to develop systems and processes that foster a positive organisational culture
- Supporting a CEO and MAT Board in developing robust and effective governance and accountability structures
2. ‘Close Up’ Projects
These focus on a specific issue with specific outcomes. These projects have clear objectives and a definitive start and end point.
Examples of this are:
- Advising on capability, disciplinary or absence matters and/or procedures
- Acting as an independent investigative officer
- Advising and supporting the recruitment of an SBM, COO or CFO
3. ‘Wide Lens’ Projects
These focus on larger significant issues with an ideal outcome. These projects require navigation of a more complex landscape dealing with other issues as they arise. They also work towards the best outcome; even if it’s different from the one originally envisaged.
Examples of this are:
- Evaluating the effectiveness of governance including a skills audit and the development of a new scheme of delegation
- Reviewing staffing structures with a view to increasing effectiveness and efficiency
- Reviewing finance including systems and budget setting with a view to achieving cost savings, tightening up controls and securing accountability
Interested?
If you’d like me to undertake a piece of work for you, the first step is for us to have a conversation. In the call, we’ll explore what the issues are, discuss what needs to be done, how it can be done and when it needs to be done by. You can book a free call with me by clicking the button below.
