This academic year has been delightfully jam-packed as I have had the pleasure of attending and speaking at a wide range of events, in addition to those I have facilitated myself in my role as Director of HR & Education Strategy. During these events, I’ve been reminded first-hand of the positive impact of networking for every professional in the education sector. At each event, I’ve had the opportunity to meet various groups of attendees, from headteachers, HR professionals and school business managers, to aspiring leaders and subject leads. Whether meeting at training events, conferences, or network groups; whether it’s face-to-face or virtual – there are so many benefits to be gained from these interactions.
Knowledge
Most obviously – but not to be forgotten – is the value of ongoing CPD for the member of staff and their school. Staffing is the biggest resource for any school, so CPD is vital to develop professional practice. Networking helps to keep skills and knowledge up to date, which ultimately helps to improve teaching practice. Participating in CPD activities can assist those working in education in any role to develop new skills, gain new insights, and stay current with the latest trends. It also ensures that school leaders, teachers and all staff in educational settings can deliver high-quality provision and impact positively on all pupil outcomes.
Support
Another benefit of networking is the realisation that often occurs during networking – that you are not alone in the issues you face, either on a day-to-day basis or longer term. Given the rising complexity of issues and pressures facing schools, the value of this cannot be underestimated. Whilst many of us will already be aware that our challenges are common across the sector, this is quite often forgotten due to the demands of work life. Hearing from others who face the same issues provides staff with positive reaffirmation in their own capabilities and wellbeing.
Resources
Networking naturally allows people to share ideas with others who have the same challenges, interests, and passions, as well as to learn from altternative insights and perspectives. Importantly, this can help to reduce workload, as many professionals enjoy exchanging resources that can be taken back to their educational establishments. Attending networks either face-to-face or virtually affords you the ability to hear about new initiatives, fresh perspectives, and funding or grant availability. Plus, there are often exclusive offers available for attendees, either from the guest speakers, sponsors, or the event organisers themselves.
Collaboration
Additionally, professional opportunities can often occur through interactions with others. Networks often allow staff to meet with other professionals beyond their workplace or local area. I witnessed these connections taking place at each and every event I was present at this year. For example, I facilitated a virtual network bringing together schools from different local authorities, who had previously never worked together. During the network, they offered to engage with each other regarding support staff training on inset days – a really positive outcome! This kind of collaboration is fundamental on so many levels and can open up a wealth of new possibilities.
Career development
Whilst this is not necessarily the main driver for attending, many people can benefit from the potential career opportunities that are discovered through networking. By meeting inspirational colleagues, interacting with mentors, and making new contacts across the education sector or in connected fields, networking can help people to unlock new opportunities and embark on the next step of their career.
What are you waiting for?
The benefits of networking are numerous, supporting both personal and professional development. By actively engaging in networking activities, you can build a strong support system, gain valuable insights, and develop meaningful long-lasting relationships. Moreover, by representing your school or MAT, networking also facilitates relationships between your organisation and other educational establishments. These connections are essential for success, especially in the current educational landscape.
One Education is proud to support professional networking with our wide variety of Training and Conferences.
The One Education HR Circle is a network designed exclusively for HR professionals in education, giving you the chance to engage in lively roundtable discussions, gain access to expert tips and resources, and find solutions to common HR challenges. Want to be a member? Contact us at hrcircle@oneeducation.co.uk for more information.
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