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transparency and prevent any misunderstandings. • Provide training. Ensure that staff members are properly trained on how to use the new products or services well in advance of launch date. Provide ongoing support and address any issues promptly as things settle in. • Do a post-Implementation review. Once a product or service has been implemented, conduct a thorough review. Assess its impact on student outcomes, staff efficiency and overall school performance. •Utilise experts. Whether they be IT consultants, buildings project managers or catering specialists, experts can save youmoney in the long-run. • Consider sustainable options. Think about the long term. Is the product or service sustainable? Consider the environmental impact of your decisions. 6. Build confidence through collaboration Ultimately, confidence in procurement comes from collaboration. Engage with your SLT, governing body and wider school community. Share your knowledge, seek out input from others and build consensus. Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo and advocate for innovative solutions. Remember – an SBM’s role isn’t to just manage budgets, but to drive positive change and create a thriving learning environment for the school’s students. 7. Pursue continuous improvement Regularly review your procurement processes, seek feedback from stakeholders and stay abreast of industry best practices. Attend conferences, workshops and training sessions to enhance your professional knowledge and skills. Network with other SBMs and share your experiences. There’s a wealth of knowledge out there, so don’t be afraid to ask for advice and guidance from other experts. 8. Empoweryour team Delegate tasks. Provide training and encourage colleagues to take ownership of their work. Awell-trained and motivated teamwill be more effective in securing the products and services that your school needs. By adopting a strategic, data-driven and collaborative approach to procurement, you canmove beyond simply chasing the lowest price and cultivate the confidence to make informed decisions that deliver genuine value and impact. GETHELP BUYING FOR SCHOOLS Schools looking to review their procurement processes can now avail themselves of further advice and expertise entirely free of charge, courtesy of the the government’s comprehensive ‘Get help buying for schools’ (GHBfS) service. Those signing up will be assigned their own dedicated purchasing specialist, and receive access to a series of over 60 DfE-approved frameworks covering a range of local and national suppliers, alongside fully impartial advice on navigating the purchase routes available to them. There’s also the added reassurance that final procurement decisions will be fully compliant with statutory guidance and regulations. The service provided by GHBfS will extend tomarket research, the advertising of contracts, the drafting of your invitation to tender and advice on how to run an evaluation process. Help can also be had with forming purchasing groups in partnership with other schools. For their part, schools that opt to carry out procurement with support provided by GHBfS will be expected to produce a clear and accurate specification (with the help of GHBfS digital procurement tools, should theywish to use them); agree to working within pre-arranged timescales; and complete various administrative tasks themselves – such as evaluating tenders and ensuring that documents are completed accurately. Finally, the service also includes a number of free live webinars taking place throughout the year, intended to highlight the support school buyers can obtain from the DfE, and approved routes tomarket when buying different goods and services. To find out more, and to sign up for the GHBfS service, visit gethelpbuyingforschools.campaign.gov.uk “Don’t beafraid tonegotiate,but do so fairlyand respectfully” Hilary Goldsmith is a school business leader, consultant and NAHT mentor 45 teachwire.net/secondary L E A D E R S H I P