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Certificate of School Business Management (CSBM)

Eligibility

The Certificate of School Business Management (CSBM) is a world leading programme that supports school leadership and management. Its aim is to assist school business managers (SBMs) in developing their expertise through a range of different learning techniques.

CSBM provides the SBM with an accredited course which will provide a route to the knowledge and skills required to perform the role to the best of their ability, and ultimately improve school effectiveness.

The course focuses on the role of the SBM and covers a total of seven subject areas:

• facilities management
• risk management
• financial management
• office systems management
• ICT management
• human resource management
• sustainable development

CSBM has a broad equivalence to national qualifications framework (NQF) level 4, ie the first year of a first degree. It is externally accredited by the Institute of Administrative Management (IAM). This gives graduates of the CSBM qualification the added advantage of a dual NCSL/IAM award as they will also receive the Diploma of Administrative Management and one year's membership of the IAM.

CSBM offers approximately 500 places nationally per year and is delivered regionally through approved training providers in the nine government regions.

Alongside the national allocations there are also approximately 1,000 places provided each year for local programmes which are delivered directly to Local Authorities.

Eligibility

We do have certain conditions for application. If you are thinking about applying for the CSBM, please take a few moments to consider whether the following statements relate to you as these are the NCSL requirements:

• "I have identified a school at which I may conduct work based study, consultation and research. The headteacher and chair of governors at this school are also aware that I am applying for the course and have agreed to give me their full support in my studies."
• "I am working, or am seeking to work, as an SBM within a state maintained school."
• "I work for a local authority or the DCSF and am/will be required to take SBM responsibility within my role."
• "I am working outside of England, have identified a school at which I may conduct work based study, consultation and research and I am able to meet the full cost of the course."
• "I am working in the independent school sector and am able to meet the full cost of the course."
• "I am able to attend a total of seven workshops/assessment days."
• "I have an internet-enabled computer at home and/or have permission to use the internet at work for the purposes of the course."

At least one of the following statements must also apply to you:

• "I am, at minimum, an 'advanced beginner'. I have senior administrative/management experience in one or more of the following: HR, facilities, ICT and administration. I understand that I must have an appropriate grasp of school funding and finances in order to undertake the course."
• "I am able to provide evidence of appropriate in-service training/CPD at school, local authority or national level."
• "I have a relevant professional or academic qualification equivalent to NVQ3/4 (eg AAT, CIPD, CIPFA, AInstAM)."

Availability

There are two national intakes per year, one in spring and one in autumn and four local intakes per year, spring, summer, autumn and winter.

Further details on these intakes can be found on the How to apply page.

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