The Mental Health and Wellbeing of School Business Leaders report

School business leaders play an essential – but often unnoticed – role in the smooth-running of schools. Yet, despite their central role in school life, and the increased interest in staff wellbeing arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, research relating to this group of staff is

Identifying this major gap in our knowledge, Education Mutual, a DfEapproved staff absence protection provider, has undertaken research to understand what aspects of their jobs affect SBL’s mental health and wellbeing.

Half of SBLs considered excessive workload as the main, work-related, factor which impacted on their mental health and wellbeing. Three main causes of excessive workload were identified - covering for colleagues, holding a wide range of responsibilities central to school functions, and reacting to regular staff queries or frequent requests from senior leaders.

The lack of understanding of the SBL role varied across schools. Issues around this were that SBLs aren’t always included in SLT meetings, school teams lacking awareness of the different functions associated with the SBL’s role, and the time it takes to undertake tasks – for example, compliance.

Many SBLs felt that their role was complex and solitary and they often felt isolated working in schools. Having someone to talk to, and share ideas with, was one of the main areas SBLs thought it would be useful to have.

So, the SBLs role is rewarding but challenging. Here are some recommendations for SBLs that we hope will help to address some of the issues highlighted by the research:

● Can you approach a colleague or senior leader to share ideas with?

● Can you join local or national groups which support networks of SBLs?

● Consider how you can foster a better understanding of your role among colleagues.

● Prioritise your mental and physical health and the ways this could be improved.

The research pointed to the following recommendations for headteachers and school leaders:

● Use this report to start a conversation with your SBLs. Do our findings chime with their experience?

● Improve awareness of the SBL role among all staff.

● Consider how you can offer all staff access to wellbeing services.

● Encourage external networking with others.

● Reassure all staff that wellbeing services are confidential.

Further recommendations are included in the report which you can read in full here: https://www. educationmutual. co.uk/wp-content/ uploads/2023/03/TheMental-Health-andWellbeing-of-SchoolBuisness-Leaders-2023.pdf’