Jo Marchant is Head of Estates at a multi-academy trust and has worked in school business leadership and management for the past 14 years. She has an MBA and an MA in Leadership, and is a qualified health and safety officer. She is a Fellow of the Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL) and serves on the steering group of The Trust Network for school estates professionals. Jo spent 12 years working in maintained special schools, where she had responsibility for managing premises and capital build projects. She lobbied the Department for Education to set up the National Network of Special Schools, which was formed in 2020. She is a School Resource Management Adviser and a Specialist Leader of Education. In 2016, Jo was awarded an ISBL Chief Executive Award for Exceptional Contribution to the Development of the SBM Profession, for 'raising the profile of special schools and contribution to international research'. In 2021, Jo became the first school business practitioner to have her empirical research into school business leadership published in a peer-reviewed journal. Jo was awarded an MBE for services to education in the King's birthday honours list in June 2024.
Useful reference guide and insight to the profession. Whether you are just starting a career in premises management and need to know how to get started, or an experienced premises professional who wants to double-check and brush up on facts and process, this book will provide you with much information and many tips. * James Miller, estates director and founding coordinator of The Trust Network * I consider the book as a trusted, time-served, hands-on industry knowledge base and an invaluable bible for school premises management teams, large or small. This first-of-a-kind book should be considered an absolute must for those tasked with recruiting or managing premises staff. * Alan Wilson, site manager, Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys * This is just the kind of text to put in the hand of both the new and experienced busy senior leader. It is practically focused and concise, with very systematic approaches to effective estates management. Highly recommended for the busy professional keen to know the details. * Daniel Wright, headmaster, The London Oratory School * The School Premises Handbook is a book with a common-sense and straightforward approach to one of the most challenging areas of school operations. The book is a go-to resource for all school personnel, from the premises teams on the ground through to senior leaders, and especially valuable for guiding those in governance. * Lynne Fletcher, schools resource management advisor and National Leader of Governance * Estates management is a critical but often overlooked element of school and trust operations. This comprehensive handbook provides detailed guidance and advice on how to manage the complexities of buildings (new and old), infrastructure and grounds. Virtually no stone is left unturned. * Stephen Morales, chief executive, Institute of School Business Leadership *