Administrators search for efficiency savings
As far as the Health and Safety Executive is concerned, the school is just another work place – and as such it is subject to the controls and regulations that are part of everyday life for any business.
The problem is however that in most schools compliance with government regulations falls on that small but dedicated band of individuals – the school administrators.
These are the people whose work can include everything from tending a child with a grazed knee to ensuring that all the school’s equipment is accurately logged and has not been “borrowed”. They also have to oversee compliance with health and safety regulations while attempting to track down the parents of pupils who are absent without authorisation.
In such a situation it is not surprising that some find themselves sinking under the number of different tasks they have to perform.
It was as I was looking into this matter that I came across a report that suggests that many schools are now combining admin tasks in order to enhance efficiency.
A typical example is the PAT test and the compiling and checking of the school’s asset register. Both involve an outsider visiting the school – and so it makes sense for that person to do both jobs in one go. Both can also result in the printing out of hundreds of pages of reports, thus using up more and more consumable resources.
The PAT test is an annual survey of all electrical equipment that can be moved (from computers to CD players, from TV sets to scanners). The tests can only be carried out by qualified technicians, and although some schools have put their own staff through such a course, some of these now find that the work-load they have to undertake means it is simpler to bring in an outside contractor.
“This is where we come in,” says Jamie Norman of SG World. “Obviously when a school asks us in to undertake a PAT test, we have to walk around all the buildings. So we are also able to undertake a complete asset audit of the school’s equipment at the same time – and we do this without any extra charge to the school.”
The compilation of a School Asset Register is a particularly important task for schools, since in a survey last year the School of Educational Administration found that 85% of schools reported that they had “lost” (ie misplaced or had stolen) at least one item of value in the previous year.
“The double impact of the PAT test and the Audit, undertaken on the same day each year, can be huge for schools. The PAT test is undertaken either after the pupils have gone home, or at the weekend or in the school holidays, so there is no disruption to the work of the school, and it allows schools to have an annual review of equipment within the school for the purposes of insurance.”
Even better, the results of the PAT test are held on a secure website, which negates the need for printed reports which can run to many pages.
About SG World
The company that sent out the press release that I have copied here was SG World. Here’s what they say about themselves:
Safeguard was formed in the UK in 1969 based in Crewe, Cheshire. Operating from purpose built premises that were opened in 1996 the company has in excess of 30,000 customers throughout the UK and the rest of Europe.
In April 2006 we changed our name to SG World to introduce a more modern brand to reflect our development and growth in terms of products, markets and business processes.
Traditionally supplying paper accounting products including cheques, our product range has increased dramatically to offer administration, health & safety and security products, including our best selling visitor pass system. Our software products division now makes up a significant part of the SG World business. The company also offers a Payroll Bureau Service, Computer Stationery and Colour Coded Filing solutions.
Our customer base not only includes commercial businesses but also schools, local government, solicitors, golf clubs and hospitals amongst many others.
These customers are looked after by a nationwide sales force of 40 salespeople offering a local service within their territory.
With APACS cheque printing accreditation and the Investors in People standard the company is committed to developing not only its production processes but also its people.
SG World is a member of BESA.