Oxfordshire Academies School Business Managers Conference 12 March 2024
The Oxfordshire Academies Business Managers Group will be holding its fifth conference, at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford, on 12 March 2024, sponsored by the Schools Advisory Service. While this conference is primarily for group members who are academies, they have previously welcomed a large number of maintained schools and hope the sessions will continue to appeal to all. Attached is an agenda of the event, which includes a synopsis of the sessions to give you further insight into what the speakers will cover. The focus of this conference is on providing practical solutions to real problems that are facing school business managers and education, from AI and estate management to recruitment and procurement. There are some great speakers including:
Tanya Arkle, Deputy Director, Academies and Maintained Schools Group, ESFA who will be the afternoon key speaker
Stephen Morales, Chief Executive of the Institute of School Business Leaders looking at the new professional standards and the personal development plan you will need to meet expectations
Julia Harnden, ASCL Funding Specialist speaking on budget assumptions
Gary Henderson, Director of IT at Millfield School speaking about the impact of AI on the School Business Manager
Paul Edmond, Chief Financial Officer for HEART Academies looking at sustainability - the real ways you can make a difference
Matt Isherwood, Associate, Barker focusing on the practical headline for efficient and effective estates management
Emma Hughes, Head of HR Services, Browne Jacobson looking at how we can make big savings by investing in smarter people practices
Matthew Wolton, Commercial Law Partner, VWV focuses on contract negotiation and how to identify potential problems before they become a full blown legal issue.
The keynote speaker is Sarah Furness. Sarah is a former combat helicopter pilot and squadron leader who led on operational combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Her focus is on helping leaders to perform and thrive “under fire.”
The conference is always popular, with over 100 delegates attending mainly, but not exclusively, School Business Managers, Chief Operating Officers, Chief Financial Officers and Finance Directors. In addition Head Teachers and Governors have also attended in the past. 26 companies will be exhibiting, ranging from uniform suppliers, IT and insurance, through to catering, cleaning, energy and photography.
It is a not for profit event so prices are kept as low as possible. Tickets are just £75. If you would like further information please go to https://www.oabmg.co.uk/events/ where you will find an agenda, details on our speakers and a link to register.
Alternatively, click here (PDF 217KB) for the agenda.