Stakeholder comment - Business in the Community

 

Business in the Community’s position on the 28 February Education Bill

On 28 February 2006, the Government published its Education Bill. A key element of the bill is the proposal to create ‘a system of independent non-fee paying state schools’. Schools would be encouraged to adopt their own self-governing trust, supported by private backers, such as faith groups, charities or businesses.

 

The Government hopes that by promoting greater independence, and encouraging links with external partners, it will ‘inject dynamism and innovation’ into England’s schools. It also hopes that the new system will ‘deliver for all children, but particularly for those whose family background is most challenging’.

 

Drawing on twenty years of experience in delivering and advising on education-business links, and having consulted with member companies on the proposals, Business in the Community (BITC) keen to outline our response to the bill:

 

Business in the Community believes that the Government is moving in the right direction by encouraging businesses and schools to forge meaningful relationships. Companies are uniquely placed to support schools in creating a more dynamic culture in schools. Education-business links impact positively on schools, by helping to raise achievement, aspirations and understanding of the world of work. In turn businesses see the benefits of playing a role in supporting schools to create tomorrow’s competitive workforce.

 

Backing trust schools is only one of many options for companies keen to make an impact on education. Business in the Community member companies have created their own projects or have tapped into a range of existing programmes, run by BITC and its partner organisations which aim to:

                        Raise employability levels amongst pupils

Foster enterprising skills in young people

Improve standards of leadership and management in schools

 

We would recommend that only the most experienced companies, with an existing track record of developing meaningful relationships with schools, should consider the option of backing an independent trust school.

 

Companies considering sponsoring or backing a trust school should be aware of the potential risks eg. to corporate reputation, if things go wrong. But they should also consider the rewards of involvement. Companies should clearly set out the objectives of backing a school and set key performance indicators to determine success.

The Government must map out the business benefits of backing a trust. If it is to encourage businesses to get involved, the Government must make clear what the mutual benefits to both parties will be. BITC member companies have provided anecdotal of improved staff morale following involvement in SpecialistSchools and Academies. The Government must make this case more explicit if it is to win over both schools and private backers.

 

The Government should consider the issue of geography and other factors to ensure that schools in the most deprived communities, where there is less corporate presence, also have access to the opportunity of business backing if they wish to set up a trust.

 

For further information from Business in the Community , please contact Olivia Wirth on 020 756 68792